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A
AID TO MORE EFFICIENT SABBATH SCHOOLS
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Enroll in the "Prophetic Guidance Course," a series of twenty-four corre-
spondence lessons on the spirit of prophecy in the advent movement. The life and
work of Ellen White receives special attention. Prepared under the direction of
the General Conference.
Write to THE PROPHETIC GUIDANCE SCHOOL, P.O. Box zoo, Glen-
dale 5, California.
A course designed especially for Seventh-day Adventists.
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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind
and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath
school lesson each day of the week.
Name
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LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
How God Communicates With
Man
2.
The Call to the Prophetic Office
3.
The Broad Scope of the Prophet's
Work
4.
The Prophetic Vision
5.
The Prophet Delivers God's Message
6.
Testing the Claims of the Prophet
8.
9.
IO.
12.
13.
Integrity of the Prophetic Message
The Primacy of the Bible
Place and Work of the Spirit of
Prophecy
Marks of the Remnant Church
A Gift That Guides and Guards
Prophecy, a Guiding Light
Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 268, April-June, 1962. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year
(four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by
Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. When a change of
address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1962, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The gift of prophecy is one of God's
choicest gifts to men. Through the ages
the divine Revealer of truth has employed
this agency as His principal means of com-
munication between heaven and earth. A
prophet is a spokesman for God, whose
messages ring with truthfulness and author-
ity. The word of God has come to us
through the agency of prophets. Indeed,
Seventh-day Adventists hold "that the Holy
Scriptures of the Old and the New Testa-
ment were given by inspiration of God,
contain an all-sufficient revelation of His
will to men, and are the only unerring rule
of faith and practice."—"Fundamental Be-
liefs of Seventh-day Adventists," Declara-
tion 1,
Church Manual,
page 29.
The Bible writers clearly implied that in
the last days the gift of prophecy would be
manifest in the church. Seventh-day Ad-
ventists see in the experience of Ellen G.
White a fulfillment of this prediction, and
in their official statement of fundamental
beliefs declare:
"That God has placed in His church the
gifts of the Holy Spirit, as enumerated in
1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. That
these gifts operate in harmony with the di-
vine principles of the Bible, and are given
`for the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ.' Eph. 4:12. That the
gift of the spirit of prophecy is one of the
identifying marks of the remnant church.
(1 Cor. 1:5-7; 1 Cor. 12:1-28; Rev. 12:17;
Rev. 19:10; Amos 3:7; Hosea 12:10, 13.)
They recognize that this gift was manifested
in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White."
—Ibid.,
p. 34.
The messages that came to Seventh-day
Adventists through the agency of His mes-
senger, Ellen G. White, came from the same
God who spoke through prophets of old.
But the messages of Mrs. White are not an
addition to the Bible. She served the Ad-
ventist people in mush the same way as Na-
than, Gad, Iddo, and Shemaiah served the
people of God in the Old Testament, and
John the Baptist, Agabus, and Silas in the
New Testament. See
The Great Contro-
versy,
Introduction, page viii, trade ed.;
page 10, missionary ed.
The line of inspired messengers of God who
served God's people in Bible times included
such women as Miriam, Deborah, Huldah,
Anna, and the four daughters of Philip.
These messengers of God were His servants
just as much as Moses or Paul or Peter.
Years ago Ellen G. White wrote concern-
ing the importance of understanding the
place of the spirit of prophecy in the
Seventh-day Adventist Church:
"As the end draws near and the work of
giving the last warning to the world ex-
tends, it becomes more important for those
who accept present truth to have a clear
understanding of the nature and influence
of the
Testimonies,
which God in His provi-
dence has linked with the work of the third
angel's message from its very
rise."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 654.
The purpose of these lessons is to help
our people gain this understanding, by pre-
senting for study the manifestation of the
gift of prophecy in Bible times as well as in
modern times. As a basic structure, we shall
utilize passages from the word of God to
illustrate the work of the prophets of old.
Parallels will also be drawn between the
experiences of Bible prophets and those of
the modern messenger of the Lord.
The relationship of the writings of Ellen
G. White to the word of God will receive
careful attention in these lessons. In order
more fully to amplify some phases of the
subject, extended notes have been used,
making some lessons longer than others.
Because of the peculiar nature of these
lessons and their importance to the church
at this time, the Daily Study Record and
the outline of the lesson have been omitted
to allow more space for note material.
[3
7
Lesson 1, for April 7, 1962
How God Communicates With Man
MEMORY VERSE:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His
secret unto His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," Introduction, pages v-vii, trade ed.; pages
7-9, missionary ed.; A. G. Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages
15-21; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) that the channels of communication between heaven
and earth are open in spite of man's fall into sin, and (2) that since the Fall
the gift of prophecy has been the principal channel for communicating light
to mankind.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Before the entrance of sin, Adam en-
joyed open communion with his Maker;
but since man separated himself from God
by transgression, the human race has been
cut off from this high privilege. By the
plan of redemption, however, a way has
been opened whereby the inhabitants of
the earth may still have connection with
heaven. God has communicated with men
by His Spirit, and divine light has been
imparted to the world by revelations to
His chosen servants. 'Holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost.' 2 Peter
1:21."—The Great Contro-
versy,
Introduction, page v.
Before and After Man's Fall
1.
How did God communicate with
man before the Fall? Gen. 1:27, 28;
2:15-17.
NOTE.—Adam and Eve then enjoyed open
communion with their Creator. "The bless-
ing for the human race was expressed 'unto
them.' As intelligent beings they were able
to listen to God and to receive communica-
tions. This verse contains the first revela-
tion of God to
man."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 1:28.
2.
Since the Fall, how has God
communicated with man? Heb. 1:1.
Compare Isa. 59:2.
Nom.—Sin erected a barrier between
man and God which brought about changes
in man's basic relationship to his Maker,
but a merciful God could not fail to estab-
lish a means of communication with lost
man in order to reclaim him. "In many
and various ways" (Heb. 1:1, R.S.V.) God
spoke to man after the Fall, seeking to
reach him with messages of instruction and
salvation.
Means of Communication
3.
By what other means does God
communicate with man? Ps. 19:1-4;
Rom. 1:20.
Nom.—"Among the heathen are those
who worship God ignorantly, those to
whom the light is never brought by human
instrumentality, yet they will not perish.
Though ignorant of the written law of God,
they have heard His voice speaking to them
in nature, and have done the things that
the law required. Their works are evidence
that the Holy Spirit has touched their
hearts, and they are recognized as the chil-
dren of
God."—The Desire of Ages,
page
638.
4.
Through whom did God warn
Lot? Gen. 19:1-3, 12, 13. Compare
Heb. 1:14.
NOTE.—From time to time members of
the human family entertained angels (Heb.
[4]
13:2) and communed with them as they
brought some message from heaven to the
inhabitants of earth. Christ and two angels
appeared in person to Abraham. Gen. 18:
1, 2, 22, 33;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
138, 139. Compare Judges 13:3, 8, 9; Luke
1:19, 26, 27.
5.
What means did God use to
warn Pharaoh of coming famine?
Gen. 41:1-7.
NOTE.—God at times communicated
through dreams to individuals, giving some
specific information or warning. See Gen.
40:5; Dan. 2:1; 4:4, 5; Matt. 2:13, 14.
Those to whom God thus communicated
were not prophets, nor did the rare experi-
ence place them in the category of prophets.
6.
What other means did God pro-
vide through which He might reveal
His will to ancient Israel? Ex. 28:29,
30; Lev. 8:8. Compare 1 Sam. 30:7, 8.
NoTE.—"At the right and left of the
breastplate were two large stones of great
brilliancy. These were known as the Urim
and Thummim. By them the will of God
was made known through the high priest.
When questions were brought for decision
before the Lord, a halo of light encircling
the precious stone at the right was a token
of the divine consent or approval, while a
cloud shadowing the stone at the left was
an evidence of denial or disapprobation."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 351.
7.
What did Jesus say concerning
Himself? John 12:46. Compare John
1:1-5, 9, 14, 18.
NoTE.—All lines of communication and
authority were embodied in Christ, "who
was the desire of all nations, the Priest
greater than Aaron, the Prophet greater
than Moses, the King greater than David,
the true Star of Jacob, and Sceptre of
Israel."—Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
E. P.
Dutton Co., N.Y., 1875, vol. 1, p. 146.
The Father on several occasions com-
municated with Christ in an audible voice.
Matt. 3:17; John 12:28; Luke 9:35.
Prophecy the Principal Channel
8.
Besides dreams and Urim, what
other method of communication from
God was available to ancient Israel?
1 Sam. 28:6.
NOTE
.—Dreams, Urim, and prophets,
"these were God's own appointed mediums
of communication."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 683.
"The king had by his own act forfeited
the benefits of all the methods of inquiring
of God.... Could he expect to be answered
by God when he had cut off the channels
of communication that Heaven had or-
dained?"—Ibid., p. 676.
9.
By what means did God com-
monly impart His messages to proph-
ets? Num. 12:6.
10.
What is the message of the
prophet frequently called? Hosea 1:1;
Joel 1:1; Micah 1:1.
NoTE.—The expression, "word of the
Lord," indicates clearly that God, not man,
is the source of the message. In the books
of Jeremiah and Ezekiel the expression,
"the word of the Lord came," is used many
times.
Prophetic Guidance for Our Time
11.
What does the Old Testament
say of prophetic guidance in the last
days? Acts 2:16-21. Compare Joel
2:28-32.
NoTE.—"In immediate connection with
the scenes of the great day of God, the Lord
by the prophet Joel has promised a special
manifestation of His Spirit. Joel 2:28.
This prophecy received a partial fulfillment
in the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day
of Pentecost; but it will reach its full ac-
complishment in the manifestation of divine
grace which will attend the closing work
of the gospel."—The
Great Controversy,
Introduction, page ix.
1
5
1
12. What is one important charac-
teristic of the remnant people of God?
Rev. 12:17; 19:10.
NoTE.—"The expression 'spirit of proph-
ecy' refers specifically to the 'manifestation
of the Spirit' in the form of a special gift
of the Holy Spirit that inspires the recipi-
ent and enables him to speak authoritatively
as a representative of God (1 Cor. 12:7-10)
when 'moved by the Holy Ghost' to do so
(2 Peter 1:21). The context of the expres-
sion in Rev. 19:10 defines 'the testimony of
Jesus' and 'the spirit of prophecy' in this
sense. In view of the fact that the 'remnant'
of ch. 12:17 specifically refers to the church
after the close of the 1260 prophetic days
of vs. 6 and 14, that is, after 1798 (see on
Dan. 7:25), ch. 12:17 stands as a clear
prediction of the special manifestation of
the 'spirit,' or 'gift,' of prophecy in the
church in our day. Seventh-day Adventists
believe the ministry of Ellen G. White
meets the specifications of Rev. 12:17 in a
unique
way."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, p. 876.
13. How did Paul refer to those
who were waiting for the day of the
Lord? 1 Thess. 5:4-6; 1 Cor. 1:4-7.
NOTE.
—
The
apostle Paul envisioned the
Corinthian Christians as enjoying a full,
rich, well-informed experience, as "waiting
for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"
and as coming behind in no gift, as "the
testimony of Christ," or the spirit of proph-
ecy, was confirmed in them. See Rev. 12:
17; 19:10.
Thought Questions:
(1) Can you think
of other methods employed by God to
speak to man?
(2)
How does God speak
to your heart?
Lesson 2, for April 14, 1962
The Call to the Prophetic Office
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said
unto me,
Go, prophesy unto My people Israel." Amos
7:15.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary," article "Prophet," pages 879-883; A. G.
Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages 22-29; 36-45; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) the manner in which God called certain ones to the
prophetic office, and (2) how the prophets' work
was sometimes received by
the people.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The prophet is a person supernaturally
called and qualified as a spokesman for
God.... The prophet was in a special sense
God's official representative to His people
on earth. . . . The prophet was chiefly a
teacher of righteousness, spirituality, and
ethical conduct, a moral reformer bearing
messages of instruction, counsel, admoni-
tion, warning, whose work often included
the prediction of future events. . . .
"A prophet first received instruction from
the Lord and then conveyed it to the peo-
ple. These two aspects of the prophet's
work were reflected in the names by which
prophets were known in OT times: seer
(chozeh
or
ro'eh)
and prophet
(nab?).
The
[6
]
title of seer was more common in the earlier
period of Hebrew history (1 Sa 9:9). The
term used more frequently in the OT was
nabi',
'prophet,' which designated him as
God's spokesman. As a `seer' the prophet
discerned God's will, and as 'prophet' he
conveyed it to others."—S.D.A.
Bible Dic-
tionary,
page 879.
The Divine Call
1.
Who called Isaiah to his impor-
tant work and gave him his message?
Isa. 6:8, 9. Compare 2 Peter 1:21.
NoTE.—The prophet did not choose his
own work. His brethren did not elect or
appoint him to this important office. The
prophetic gift was not handed down from
father to son. "The call to prophetic office,
and the accompanying bestowal of the
prophetic gift, were acts of God, as in the
case of Isaiah (ch 6:8, 9), Jeremiah (ch 1:5),
Ezekiel (ch 2:3-5), and Amos (ch 7:15).
Moses received his call at the burning bush
(Ex 3:1 to 4:17). Elisha's call to the pro-
phetic office was announced by Elijah (1 Ki
19:19, 20; cf. 2 Ki 2:13, 14). Accompany-
ing the prophetic call was a special endow-
ment qualifying the prophet to speak for
God. This call constituted each prophet a
`watchman' over the house of Israel (see
Eze 33:7), and made the prophet strictly
accountable to God for faithfully delivering
the messages he was commissioned to bear
(vs 3,
6)."—S.D.A. Bible Dictionary,
page
881.
2.
How and when was Jeremiah
called to the prophetic office? Jer.
1:4-10.
NorE.—A prophet is one who speaks for
God. In the first chapter of his book,
Jeremiah presents as the credentials of his
prophetic office the account of his divine
call. "This vocation was his, not by human
choice, but by virtue of a direct commission
from God. The deep sense of the divine
call was the driving force of his ministry
and his support and stay in moments of
discouragement against the hostility of his
people."—S.DA.
Bible Commentary
on Jer.
1:4.
Ellen G. White wrote concerning her call
in her youth to serve as God's messenger to
His people: "My Saviour declared me to be
His messenger. 'Your work,' He instructed
me, 'is to bear My word. Strange things
will arise, and in your youth I set you apart
to bear the message to the erring ones, to
carry the word before unbelievers, and with
pen and voice to reprove from the word
actions that are not right.'
"—Selected Mes-
sages,
b. 1, p. 32.
Prophets Through the Ages
3.
How early in history was the
prophetic gift manifested? Luke 1:70.
NoTE.—"It is the voice of Christ that
speaks through patriarchs and prophets,
from the days of Adam even to the closing
scenes of time."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
799.
4.
According to the Scripture rec-
ord, what patriarch was first en-
dowed with the prophetic gift? Jude
14, 15.
NoTE.—"Enoch was the first prophet
among mankind. He foretold by prophecy
the second coming of Christ to our world,
and His work at that time. His life was a
specimen of Christian consistency. Holy
lips alone should speak forth the words of
God in denunciation and judgments. His
prophecy is not found in the writings of
the Old Testament. We may never find
any books which relate to the works of
Enoch, but Jude, a prophet of God, men-
tions the work of Enoch."—Ellen G. White
Comments, in
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
1, p. 1088.
5.
What is said concerning the
word of the Lord in the days of Sam-
uel? 1 Sam. 3:1.
NoTE.—The Revised Standard Version
reads: "And the word of the Lord was rare
in those days; there was no frequent
vision."
That the words "no open vision" do not
indicate a complete cessation of prophetic
7
utterance at that time is evident from the
fact that they are immediately preceded by
a solemn message delivered to Eli from the
"Lord God of Israel," through a "man of
God." 1 Sam. 2:27-36.
6.
How was Elisha called to the
prophetic office? 1 Kings 19:15, 16,
19-21.
NoTE.—Usually the call of God to the
prophet was direct, as in the experience of
Jeremiah and Amos. In the case of Elisha,
God made His choice known to the prophet
Elijah, and he was bidden to convey the
message to his successor, whom he found
faithfully discharging his daily tasks.
7.
What gift did God entrust to
Daniel? Dan. 1:17, last part.
NOTE.—"God has said, 'Them that honor
Me I will honor' (1 Sam. 2:30). While
Daniel clung to his God with unwavering
trust, the Spirit of prophetic power came
upon him. While he was instructed of man
in the duties of court life, he was taught
of God to read the mysteries of future ages
and to present to coming generations,
through figures and similitudes, the won-
derful things that would come to pass in
the last days."—Ellen G. White,
The Sancti-
fied Life,
1956 ed., p. 24.
8.
By whom was the prophetic gift
exercised in early New Testament
times? Luke 2:25-38. Compare Luke
1:41-55, 67-79.
NoTE.—Anna and Simeon had the gift of
prophecy. Jesus pointed to John the Bap-
tist as one of the greatest of the prophets.
Luke 7:28. Christ referred to Himself as a
prophet. Matt. 13:53-57. He fulfilled the
prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15. Paul
(2 Cor. 12:1-5), and John (Rev. 1:10),
were prophets. Both indicated that the tes-
timony of Jesus or the gift of prophecy
would be seen in the church that awaited
the return of Christ, thus suggesting the
divine purpose that the gift of prophecy
should remain in the Christian church till
the close of time. 1 Cor. 1:4-7; Rev. 12:17;
19:10.
9.
How does Paul describe the man-
ner in which he received certain di-
vine revelations? 2 Cor. 12:1-4.
NoTE.—"The apostle Paul early in his
Christian experience was given special op-
portunities to learn the will of God con-
cerning the followers of Jesus. He was
`caught up to the third heaven,' into para-
dise, and heard unspeakable words, which
it is not lawful for
a man
to utter.' He
himself acknowledged that many 'visions
and revelations' had been given him 'of the
Lord.' His understanding of the principles
of gospel truth was equal to that of 'the
very chiefest apostles.' . . .
"The impression that he received when in
vision was ever with him, enabling him to
give a correct representation of Christian
character. By word of mouth and by letter
he bore a message that ever since has
brought help and strength to the church of
God."—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
469, 470.
10.
What description of Elijah in-
dicates that the call to the prophetic
office does not remove the prophet
above and away from his human char-
acteristics? James 5:17. Compare
2 Cor. 4:5-7.
NoTE.—Prophets are human beings, and
God only is infallible. True, God calls the
prophet to reveal the divine message, but
the prophet is a member of the human fam-
ily still, possessing human faculties and
frailties. Through vision he receives heav-
enly instruction and of this he faithfully
bears testimony, guided by the Spirit of
God. Thus he becomes a channel of heav-
enly communication, and his message is an
inspired message. Naturally, the instruction
received exerts a positive influence on his
life. But, holy man that he is, he is not
deprived of thinking ordinary thoughts or
of conversing on topics of everyday inter-
est. He may have strong home ties. He
continues to be a normal individual, en-
gaging in human activities, perhaps in his
181
community. He may make mistakes, as did
Peter, the inspired apostle. See Gal. 2:
11-14. But this does not invalidate the
divine message he bears for God. In our
day, Ellen G. White lived an exemplary
life. To this fact all who were acquainted
with her bear witness; but said she: "In
regard to infallibility, I never claimed it;
God alone is
infallible."—Selected Mes-
sages, vol.
1, p. 37.
11. Desirous of learning God's will
for Judah, of whom did Hilkiah the
priest and his associates seek counsel?
2 Kings 22 :12 -14.
Nom—Commenting on this text, Joseph
Priestly remarks: " 'It pleased God to dis-
tinguish several women with the spirit of
prophecy, as well as other great attain-
ments, to show that, in His sight, and
especially in things of a spiritual nature,
there is no essential pre-eminence in the
male
sex.'"—Notes on All the Books of
the Scripture,
vol. 2, p. 40.
12. How were the prophets often
treated? Matt. 23:29-31; Acts 7:52.
NoTE.—The life of the prophet was not
an easy one. Often he was called upon to
deliver messages of reproof or correction.
Such messages were never pleasant, and at
times led to a spirit or retaliation and re-
venge. The prophet must bear his message
fearlessly, regardless of the outcome. Early
in her experience Mrs. White was con-
fronted with an adverse reception of a
message of reproof. When instructed as to
her duty she was told: "The loss is not
yours, but mine. God sees not as man sees.
He lays out the work that He would have
done, and you do not know which will
prosper, this or
that.'"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 658.
Thought Questions:
(1) Can you think
of reasons why the prophetic voice has
been heard in modern times? (2) What at-
titude to the prophetic message do you
assume?
Lesson 3, for April 21, 1962
The Broad Scope of the Prophet's Work
MEMORY VERSE:
"And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by
a prophet was he preserved." Hosea 12:13.
STUDY HELPS:
"Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 33, 34; "Education," pages 45-50;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show that the prophets generally were entrusted with a broad
work that included more than foretelling future events.
THE LESSON
Introduction
From a study of the life and work of
the Bible prophets, you will observe the
broad scope of their spiritual activities. Be-
yond the immediate and special functions
of receiving visions and imparting light in
sermons or written messages these inspired
men and women spelled out by precept and
example the high destiny of the church in
holy living and witnessing. Elisha was
a reformer and an educator. Nathan and
John the Baptist were reprovers of sin.
Isaiah was a counselor; Paul and Peter,
evangelists and pastors; Ezekiel, a shepherd
of God's flock. Ellen G. White wrote: "My
work has covered so many lines that I can-
not call myself other than a messenger,
sent to bear a message from the Lord to
His people, and to take up work in any line
that He points
out."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 34.
[
9
]
Many Phases of Endeavor
1.
What does God reveal to His
servants the prophets? Amos 3:7.
NOTE.—The foretelling of future events is
included in the opening up of God's "secrets."
The prophet, however, is more than a
fore-
caster.
He speaks
for
God as His represent-
ative, and he speaks
forth
the words of the
Lord as God's messenger. In each case,
God's prophet opens up the "secrets" of the
divine mind and will to the inquiring mind
of man, imparting knowledge and guidance
essential to his well-being.
2.
What was Moses' work as Israel's
prophet? Hosea 12:13.
NorE.—Moses made few predictions re-
garding the future, but he was "a prophet,"
used of God to lead Israel and to protect
them from Satan's deceptions and from
their enemies. Not all who were called to
the prophetic office did the same type of
work. John the Baptist performed no
miracles, but he was sent to prepare the way
of the Lord. Jesus declared that John was
a prophet, and that "there hath not risen a
greater than John the Baptist." Matt. 11:
9, 11. Samuel's work was largely one of
spiritual guidance.
The Example of Moses
3.
What was the first great truth
revealed in Moses' writings? Gen. 1:1.
Nors.—"The preparation of the written
word began in the time of Moses. Inspired
revelations were then embodied in an in-
spired book. This work continued during
the long period of sixteen hundred years—
from Moses, the historian of creation and
the law, to
John."—The Great Controversy,
Introduction, page
v.
4.
From what source did Moses re-
ceive the various statutes and precepts
given to the children
of
Israel? Deut.
4a,
2, 5.
NorE.—"Moses was oonunanded to write,
as God should bid him, judgments and laws
giving minute instruction as to what was
required. These directions relating to the
duty of the people to God, to one another,
and to the stranger were only the principles
of the Ten Commandments amplified and
given in a specific manner, that none need
err."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 364.
5. In what law did the prophet pre-
sent instruction to ensure the well-
being of God's chosen people? Mal.
4:4.
NorE.—In the law given to Moses, God
outlined in minute detail many moral re-
sponsibilities as well as civil obligations of
the people.
"In the teaching that God gave to Israel,
the preservation of health received careful
attention. .. . Health principles were taught
and sanitary laws enforced."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 277.
Certain areas of guidance were clear and
comprehensive, and among them emphasis
was laid upon:
a.
Cleanliness of person, attire, and dwell-
ing in relation to disease. Deut. 23:14; Lev.
15:1-12; 14:44-48.
b.
Proper diet. Lev. 20:24, 25.
c.
Mental outlook. Deut. 16:11; 26:11.
"Had the Israelites obeyed the instruction
they received, and profited by their advan-
tages, they would have been the world's
object lesson of health and prosperity. If as
a people they had lived according to God's
plan, they would have been preserved from
the diseases that afflicted other nations.
Above any other people they would have
possessed physical strength and vigor of
intellect."
"The Israelites failed of fulfilling God's
purpose, and thus failed of receiving the
blessings that might have been theirs. But
in Joseph and Daniel, in Moses and Elisha,
and many others, we have noble examples
of the results of the true plan of living. Like
faithfulness today will produce like results."
—The Ministry of Healing,
pages 283, 285.
6. Before Moses died, what view of
the Promised Land was given to him?
Deut. 34:1-5.
10
NorE.—Moses was wrapped in prophetic
vision, in a manner common to God's
prophets in all ages. Scenes of the past and
future were unfolded before Israel's leader,
as if he were actually an eyewitness to the
events.
"Every part of the country was spread
out before him, not faint and uncertain in
the dim distance, but standing out clear,
distinct, and beautiful to his delighted
vision. In this scene it was presented, not as
it then appeared, but as it would become,
with God's blessing upon it, in the posses-
sion of Israel. He seemed to be looking
upon a second
Eden."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 472.
What was shown to Moses was vividly
described by one to whom similar views
were given. See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 475-477.
Instruction, and Reproof of Sin
7.
What Old Testament incident re-
veals the prophet as an educator, liv-
ing and working with his students?
2 Kings 6:1-3.
NcrrE.—"The schools of the prophets were
founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier
against the widespread corruption, to pro-
vide for the moral and spiritual welfare of
the youth, and to promote the future pros-
perity of the nation by furnishing it with
men qualified to act in the fear of God as
leaders and counselors. In the accomplish-
ment of this object Samuel gathered
companies of young men who were pious,
intelligent, and studious. These were called
the sons of the prophets."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 593.
"The schools of the prophets, established
by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the
years of Israel's apostasy. Elijah re-estab-
lished these schools, making provision for
young men to gain an education that would
lead them to magnify the law and make it
honorable."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 224.
8.
What is a difficult yet most im-
portant feature of the prophet's work?
Jer. 1:17-19; Ezek. 2:3-8.
NOTE.—"He sent His prophets to warn
the guilty, denounce their sins, and pro-
nounce judgment upon them. . . . In His
providence the Lord has seen fit to teach
and warn His people in various ways. By
direct command, by the Sacred Writings,
and by the spirit of prophecy has He made
known unto them His will. My work has
been to speak plainly of the faults and er-
rors of God's people. . . . But I have been
shown that it is not mine to choose my
work, but humbly to obey the will of God."
—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 12, 13.
9.
In what role was the prophet
frequently cast? Jer. 29:19; 32:33.
NorE.—The prophets acted as guides and
teachers of the people in doctrine and right
living, though often their work was frowned
upon by the careless and guilty. The proph-
et's voice was God's call to higher, holier
living.
10.
How did Zechariah endorse and
simplify the messages of "former
prophets"? Why was this necessary?
Zech. 1:3-6; 7:7-14. Compare 1 Cor.
14:37.
NorE.—The prophetic writings show a
remarkable agreement, each of the prophets
being under the control of the Spirit of
God. In Bible times, contemporary proph-
ets studied what the former prophets had
written. Dan. 9:2. In the Ellen G. White
writings the messages of the Bible prophets
are magnified so that the beauty of truth
stands out.
"The
Testimonies
are not to belittle the
word of God, but to exalt it and attract
minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of
truth may impress
all."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 665.
Preparation of Men and Women
to Meet God
11.
What helpful lesson concerning
prophetic guidance is taught by a
simple Old Testament experience?
1 Sam. 9:1-10, 18-20.
11.
NOTE.—Saul and his servant, not finding
the objects of their search, recognized that
God was mindful of their problem. They
sought out Samuel, His messenger, for di-
rection. They received the answer before
asking their questions. In God's word and
in the counsels of the spirit of prophecy
we may find messages which point the way.
"There is instruction that the Lord has
given me for His people. It is light that
they should have, line upon line, and pre-
cept upon precept, here a little and there a
little. This is now to come before the peo-
ple, because it has been given to correct
specious errors and to specify what is
truth. The Lord has revealed many things
pointing out the truth, thus saying, This is
the way, walk ye in it."—Ellen G. White
(Letter 117, 1910), quoted in
Messenger to
the Remnant,
page 82, by Arthur
L.
White.
12.
What message of hope did Isa-
iah give? Isa. 40:1, 2.
13.
What appealing message may
be considered as summing up the over-
all objective of the messages of the
prophets? Amos 4:12, last part.
NorE.—"Prepare to meet thy God" is
the consuming burden of the messages of
the prophets through all time. The first
Testimony pamplet published in 1855-closed
with an article entitled, "Prepare to Meet
the Lord."
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 123-126.
In
the last article in the last volume of the
Testimonies,
published fifty-four years later,
in 1909, the same pen urges:
"My brother, my sister, I urge you to
prepare for the coming of Christ in the
clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the
love of the world out of your hearts. Under-
stand by experience what it means to have
fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the
judgment, that when Christ shall come, to
be admired in all them that believe, you may
be among those who will meet Him in
peace."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 285.
Thought Questions:
(1) What phase of
the prophet's work is most important?
(2) How have the prophets influenced us
most?
Lesson 4, for April 28, 1962
The Prophetic Vision
MEMORY VERSE: "I
have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied
visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." Hosea 12:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"Early Writings," pages 13-20; "Testimonies," vol.
1, pp.
58-61,
21-35; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show that (1) God uses visions and prophetic dreams to speak to
the prophets; (2) physical phenomena sometimes attend the visions and
help to substantiate faith; (3) there are varieties in modes of revelation, but
the message is of the same divine origin.
THE LESSON
and in divers manners spake in times past
unto the fathers by the prophets," take on
special significance.
The
S.D.A. Bible Dictionary
defines the
prophetic "vision" as follows: "A super-
natural means by which God communicates
His will to His servants the prophets (Is
1:1; etc)

A vision may come in wak-
12
Introduction
God spoke to the prophet through visions.
No one rule can be laid down concerning
the manner in which the visions were given,
nor the way in which the light was con-
veyed to the prophet. The words of He-
brews 1:1, that "God, who at sundry times
ing moments (Dan 10:7; Acts 9:3, 7), by
day (Acts 10:3) or night (Gen 46:2), or it
may come as a dream (Num 12:6). The
Bible makes no sharp distinction between
visions and dreams, except possibly that
dreams come during hours of slumber. In
vision the prophet becomes oblivious of his
natural surroundings and the Spirit of God
so controls the sensory areas of his brain
that the prophet seems literally to see, hear,
and feel what is presented to him in vision.
A vision may contain instruction for God's
people, or reveal facts about the future that
will enable God's people to live more intel-
ligently in the present. In vision the
prophet sometimes seems to be transported
over considerable distances (see Eze 3:
12-15; 8:3; 40:2; cf. 2 Cor 12:2-4)."--
Art. "Vision," pp. 1134, 1135.
Throughout Ellen G. White's long minis-
try of seventy years (1845-1915) revelations
came to her in visions of the day and vi-
sions of the night. The light thus communi-
cated to her by God she embodied in her
oral addresses and in numerous periodical
articles, hundreds of personal, written testi-
monies, and in her many published books.
Prophetic Revelation of Divine
Origin
1. In general, how did God com-
municate His messages to the proph-
ets? Num. 12:6. Compare Gen. 15:1;
Ezek. 8:3, 4.
NoTE.—"The Lord God speaking to
Aaron and Miriam from the pillar of cloud,
says, 'Hear now My words: If there be a
prophet among you, I the Lord will make
Myself known unto him in a vision, and
will speak unto him in a dream.'
"This then is the manner in which the
Lord spoke through the prophets. By the
power of His Spirit he takes complete pos-
session of the mind, impressing upon its
tablets those things which He is pleased to
reveal. Then when restored to the natural
state, the chosen person could speak or
write out those words of instruction for
others' benefit. Events passed before the
mind in vision like a moving panorama.
These in the normal state brought up again
by the aid of the Spirit of God are con-
veyed to others."—George I. Butler,
Review
and Herald,
May 12, 1874.
Some Visions Accompanied by
Physical Phenomena
2.
How did Daniel describe his ex-
perience in connection with one of
his visions? Dan. 10:7, 8, 15-18.
3.
How is the experience of another
prophet described? Num. 24:2-4.
NOTE.—"Literally, 'falling down and his
eyes uncovered.' The words 'into a trance'
are supplied. The meaning seems to be that
he fell down on his face on the ground, but
that his eyes remained open. . . . Compare
the experience of Saul (1 Sam. 19:23, 24), of
Ezekiel (Eze. 1:28), of Daniel (Dan. 8:17,
18; 10:8-19), of John (Rev. 1:17). . . . It
is certainly true that in whatever position
his body may have been, whether prostrate
or upright, his natural senses were held in-
operative and his sensory perception was
controlled by the Spirit of God."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Num. 24:4.
Balaam, once a loyal prophet of God, had
apostatized. Because of his high profession
as a servant of the Lord, Balaam would
look upon the message he bore as a message
from God. Therefore the Lord manifested
Himself to Balaam as He would to the
prophet walking consistently in the way of
the Lord. See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 439, 440.
4.
How does Paul describe his ex-
perience while in one of his visions?
2 Cor. 12:1, 2.
5.
Describe Ellen G. White's expe-
rience while in open vision during the
early years of her prophetic ministry.
Answer:
There were many who witnessed
Mrs. White in vision. One, G. I. Butler,
president of the General Conference while
Mrs. White was in mid-life, in a series of
articles for the
Review and Herald
reported
as follows:
"They [the visions] generally, but not
always, occur in the midst of earnest sea-
[
13]
sons of religious interest while the Spirit of
God is specially present, as those can tell
who are in attendance. The time Mrs.
White is in this condition has varied from
fifteen minutes to one hundred and eighty.
During this time the heart and pulse con-
tinue to beat, the eyes are always wide open,
and seem to be gazing at some far-distant
object, and are never fixed on any person
or thing in the room. They are always
directed upward. They exhibit a pleasant
expression. There is no ghastly look or any
resemblance of fainting. . . .
"While she is in vision, her breathing en-
tirely ceases. No breath ever escapes her
nostrils or lips when in this condition. This
has been proved by many witnesses, among
them physicians of skill, and themselves
unbelievers in the visions, on some occa-
sions being appointed by a public congre-
gation for the purpose. . . . When she goes
into this condition, there is no appearance
of swooning or faintness, her face retains
its natural color, and the blood circulates
as usual. Often she loses her strength tem-
porarily and reclines or sits; but at other
times she stands up. She moves her arms
gracefully, and often her face is lighted up
with radiance as though the glory of heaven
rested upon her. She is utterly unconscious
of everything going on around her while
she is in vision, having no knowledge what-
ever of what is said and done in her pres-
ence."—Review and Herald,
June 9, 1874.
6. What purpose was served by the
physical phenomena in connection
with the visions of Mrs. White?
Answer:
"These messages were thus given
to substantiate the faith of all, that in these
last days we might have confidence in the
spirit of prophecy."—Ellen G. White,
Re-
view and Herald,
June 14, 1906.
Neither in the Bible nor in the writings
of Ellen G. White do we find the physical
phenomena cited as a test. It was an
evidence—one among many—and to those
who were eyewitnesses of Mrs. White in
vision the experience was unforgettable and
inspired faith and built confidence in the
gift. In the earlier years of her experience
the visions were frequently accompanied
by physical phenomena. In the later years,
God spoke to His servant in the silent vi-
sions of the night season.
Night Visions or Prophetic Dreams
7.
During what hours did Daniel
receive the vision described in Daniel
7? Dan. 7:1, 2, 13.
NOTE.—Often while the prophet slept,
and his mind was free from what went on
about him, God communicated in a pro-
phetic dream or vision of the night. "It does
not seem possible to draw any very precise
distinction between the prophetic 'dream'
and the prophetic 'vision! In the case of
Abraham (Gen. 15:1) and of Daniel (Dan.
7:1), they seem to melt into each other."
—McClintock and Strong,
Cyclopaedia of
Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Lit-
erature,
vol. 8, art. "Prophet," p. 646.
G. I. Butler observed that "when the
Spirit . . . takes possession of the [proph-
et's] mind during one's waking hours, it is
called a vision. When during one's sleeping
hours, a
dream."—Review and Herald,
May
12, 1874.
8.
Name another prophet who re-
ceived visions at night. Acts 16:9.
Compare Gen. 46:2-4.
NoTE.—"The visions of the night" were
not equated by the prophets with ordinary
dreams of ordinary persons, nor must we so
confuse them. Wrote Ellen G. White:
"There are many dreams arising from the
common things of life with which the Spirit
of God has nothing to do. 'There are also
false dreams, as well as false visions, which
are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But
dreams from the Lord are classed in the
word of God with visions and are as truly
the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as
visions. Such dreams, taking into the ac-
count the persons who have them, and the
circumstances under which they are given,
contain their own proofs of their genuine-
ness."L—Testimonies, vol. 5,
p. 658.
How the Light Came to the Prophet
9.
How did the Lord in prophetic
vision reveal to Ezekiel truths con-
cerning the restored temple? Ezek.
40:2-4.
[14]
NoTE.—"In both dream and vision what
carried religious significance was the fact
that the presentation did not come through
the ordinary sense channels, or as a prod-
uct of the mind's conscious activity. On
this account it was accepted as a revelation
from God.... The result is sometimes pre-
sented
as if it had come to the prophet in
a manner analogous to sense experience,—
the prophet sees, hears questions, replies."
—James Hastings, ed.,
Dictionary of the
Bible,
art. "Vision," vol. 4, p. 871.
10.
In what form were messages
imparted to Zechariah? Zech. 1:8-10;
4:1-7. To John the revelator? Rev.
1:10-20. Compare Revelation 12.
NOTE.—In symbols many facets of truth
could be imparted in a brief representation.
The word of God abounds in symbolic rep-
resentations. To the mind of Ellen G. White
there were often opened by symbols or
figures events of consequence and meaning
to the church. For example, the growth of
modern spiritualism was shown to her as a
fast-moving train plunging ahead with
"lightning speed to perdition." It seemed to
her that "the whole world was on board."
See
Early Writings,
page 263. Sometimes
the symbolic would blend into the real. See
her first vision in
Early Writings,
pages
13-20, or
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 58-61.
11.
To what point was Ezekiel on
one occasion conveyed in vision?
Ezek. 8:1-12.
NoTE.—Frequently in Mrs. White's ex-
perience she seemed to be taken to some
distant place where she saw and heard
what was occurring. While in Moss, Nor-
way, in 1887, she seemed to be at the Saint
Helena Sanitarium in California and wit-
nessed what took place as the guests settled
their accounts.
In
Counsels on Health,
pages 412, 413,
she describes a seeming visit to the Battle
Creek Sanitarium where she saw how the
work was done and heard the conversation
of the helpers.
On the night of April 16, 1906, she seemed
to be on an eminence and viewed the great
San Francisco earthquake of that same
year. Read her vivid description in
Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, pp. 92, 93.
12.
What answer did Mrs. White
give to inquiries concerning her vi-
sions and her state while in vision?
Answer:
"As inquiries are frequently
made as to my state in vision, and after I
come out, I would say that when the Lord
sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the
presence of Jesus and angels, and am en-
tirely lost to earthly things. I can see no
farther than the angel directs me. My at-
tention is often directed to scenes tran-
spiring upon earth.
"At times I am carried far ahead into
the future and shown what is to take place.
Then again I am shown things as they have
occurred in the
past."—Spiritual Gifts,
vol.
2, p. 292;
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 36.
NoTE.—In her introduction to the book
The Great Controversy,
Mrs. White makes
allusion to the manner in which the light
therein revealed came to her:
"Through the illumination of the Holy
Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued
conflict between good and evil have been
opened to the writer of these pages. From
time to time I have been permitted to be-
hold the working, in different ages, of the
great controversy between Christ, the Prince
of life, the Author of our salvation, and
Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin,
the first transgressor of God's holy law."—
Introduction, page x. See also page xi.
As she wrote of her views of the second
coming of Christ she declared: "Scenes of
such thrilling, solemn interest passed before
me as no language is adequate to describe.
It was all a living reality to
me."—Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 76.
Thought Questions: (1)
Why cannot
physical phenomena be considered a con-
clusive test of a prophet? (2) What tests
of a prophet's work can you think of?
You need the Sabbath school
and the Sabbath school needs
you.
[ 15
1
Lesson 5, for May 5, 1962
The Prophet Delivers God's Message
MEMORY VERSE: "I
was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a
great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the
last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches." Rev.
1:10,
11, first part.
STUDY HELPS:
"Selected Messages,"
b. 1, pp.
49-58; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp.
654-660; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show that the prophet was a spokesman for God who bore oral
and written testimony of what had been revealed to him in vision.
THE LESSON
3. What were prophets at times
bidden to do with the messages they
received? Isa.
30:8; Jer. 36:2; Rev.
21:1, 2,
5.
Introduction
Through the vision the prophet's mind
was enlightened. When not in vision, but
still aided by the Spirit of God, he pre-
sented to others orally or in writing what he
saw and heard and the instruction he re-
ceived. This he did in the best language at
his command, and on different occasions
employed different words in describing the
same vision. Words were merely a means
by which the message was conveyed.
The Testimony of the Prophet
1.
What command came to the
youthful prophet Jeremiah regarding
the message God would impart to
him? Jer. 1:17. See also Ezek. 11:25.
NoTE.—The prophet is charged by God to
deliver to the people the messages which
He has communicated. The prophet must
bear a careful and undiluted testimony of
all that God has revealed to him.
2.
What
was
one means by which
the prophets delivered the prophetic
message to the people? Jer. 26:2, 4,
first part; Zech. 1:3. Compare 1 Kings
11:29-40.
Nom—Through the spoken word the
prophet conveyed the message of the Lord
in a discourse before a company of people
or in personal testimony by private inter-
views.
NoTE.—Concerning her experience Ellen
White has written: "Early in my public
labors I was bidden by the Lord, 'Write,
write the things that are revealed to you.'
At the time this message came to me, I
could not hold my hand steady. My physi-
cal condition made it impossible for me to
write. But again came the word, 'Write
the things that are revealed to you.' I
obeyed; and as the result it was not long
before I could write page after page with
comparative ease. Who told me what to
write? Who steadied my right hand, and
made it possible for me to use a
.
pen?—
It was the
Lord."—Review and Herald,
June 14, 1906.
4. How was a message often con-
veyed to an individual or church?
Col. 4:16; 2 Thess. 3:14, 17. Compare
2 Chron. 21:12-14.
NOTE.—The messages entrusted to Mrs.
White were written out by her and often
conveyed by testimony letters. Literally
thousands of such communications were
mailed from her home through the years.
Of this she says: "In these letters which I
write, in the testimonies I bear, I am pre-
senting to you that which the Lord has
presented to
me."—Testimonies, vol. 5,
P. 67.
[16
]
5.
At times what help did the
prophets employ? Jer. 36:4, 17, 18;
Rom. 16:22.
NOTE.—Baruch aided Jeremiah. Paul im-
plies that some of his messages were dic-
tated. Mrs. White painstakingly wrote out
her messages, but employed good secretarial
help, which relieved her of detailed copy
work. Of this she has written:
"While my husband lived, he acted as
a helper and counselor in the sending out
of the messages that were given to me. We
traveled extensively. Sometimes light would
be given to me in the night season, some-
times in the daytime before large congrega-
tions. The instruction I received in vision
was faithfully written out by me, as I had
time and strength for the work. After-
ward we examined the matter together, my
husband correcting grammatical errors and
eliminating needless repetition. Then it was
carefully copied for the persons addressed,
or for the printer.
"As the work grew, others assisted me in
the preparation of matter for publication.
After my husband's death, faithful helpers
joined me, who labored untiringly in the
work of copying the testimonies and pre-
paring articles for publication.
"But the reports that are circulated, that
any of my helpers are permitted to add
matter or change the meaning of the mes-
sages I write out, are not
true."—Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 50.
Divine Messages in Human
Language
6.
What instructions were given to
Ezekiel in connection with his vision
of the temple? Ezek. 40:4.
NoTE.—"The man" whom Ezekiel saw in
his vision instructed the prophet to set his
heart upon all that God would show him
that he might accurately "declare" all that
he saw to "the house of Israel." The revela-
tion of truth was the Lord's. The language
of the prophet describing the vision was the
language of man. The prophetic descrip-
tions of Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation, etc.,
were written in the prophet's own words.
Thus the divine message reached mankind
in language he could understand.
7.
Through which of his senses did
the apostle John, while in vision, re-
ceive information and instruction?
Rev. 1:10, 11.
NoTE.—John was instructed to write
what
he
saw. "In the case of visions the
scenery passed before their [the prophets']
mind, something like a panoramic view of
a landscape, gradually unfolding, in symbol-
ical imagery, forms of glory or of gloom;
accompanied with actions of a corresponding
character, not unfrequently exhibiting, as
in actual occurrence, the future and distant
events."—McClintock and Strong,
Cyclo-
paedia of Biblical, Theological, and Eccle-
siastical Literature,
vol. 8, art. "Prophet,"
p. 648.
"The Bible points to God as its author;
yet it was written by human hands; and in
the varied style of its different books it pre-
sents the characteristics of the several writ-
ers. The truths revealed are all 'given by
inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16) ; yet
they are expressed in the words of men.
The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has
shed light into the minds and hearts of His
servants. He has given dreams and visions,
symbols and figures; and those to whom
the truth was thus revealed have themselves
embodied the thought in human language.
"The Ten Commandments were spoken
by God Himself, and were written by His
own hand. They are of divine, and not of
human composition. But the Bible, with
its God-given truths expressed in the lan-
guage of men, presents a union of the divine
and the human."—The
Great Controversy,
Introduction, pages v, vi.
Concerning her own experience, Mrs.
White has recorded: "Although I am as
dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in
writing my views as I am in receiving them,
yet the words I employ in describing what
I have seen are my own, unless they be
those spoken to me by an angel, which I
always enclose in marks of quotation."—
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 37.
At the General Conference session of
1883 an action taken set forth this concept
in the following words: "We believe the
light given by God to His servants is by
the enlightenment of the mind, thus im-
parting the thoughts, and not (except in
rare cases) the very words in which the
ideas should be expressed."—Review
and
Herald,
Nov. 27, 1883.
[17]
8. What prompted the apostle Paul
to write his letter, known as 1 Corin-
thians, to the church at Corinth?
1 Cor. 1:11.
NorE.—"Paul was an inspired apostle,
yet the Lord did not reveal to him at all
times just the condition of His people.
Those who were interested in the prosperity
of the church, and saw evils creeping in,
presented the matter before him, and from
the light which he had previously received
he was prepared to judge of the true char-
acter of these developments. Because the
Lord had not given him a new revelation
for that special time, those who were really
seeking light did not cast his message
aside as only a common letter. No, indeed.
The Lord had shown him the difficulties
and dangers which would arise in the
churches, that when they should develop
he might know just how to treat them. . . .
"The reproof he sent them was written
just as much under the inspiration of the
Spirit of God as were any of his epistles."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 65, 66.
Personal Testimonies of the
Prophets
9. In what way was God's message
of rebuke delivered to
King
David?
2 Sam. 12:1-7.
Nam—God through Nathan rebuked
David as John the Baptist rebuked Herod
for taking Herodias, his brother Philip's
wife. A man of God also rebuked Jero-
boam, king of Israel, for his idolatrous
practices. These testimonies of the prophets
recorded in the Scriptures are for our ad-
monition upon whom the ends of the world
are come.
Similarly, personal testimonies written
over a period of years by the messenger to
the remnant church have been compiled
into nine volumes, so that
all
might benefit
by the prophetic messages sent to a few.
"Since the warning and instruction given
in testimony for individual cases applied
with equal force to many others who had
not been specially pointed out in this man-
ner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the
personal testimonies for the benefit of the
church. In "Testimony 15"
[Testimonies,
vol. 2,
p. 91, speaking of the necessity for do-
ing this, I said: `I know of no better way to
present my views of general dangers and
errors, and the duty of all who love God
and keep His commandments, than by
giving these testimonies. Perhaps there is
no more direct and forcible way of present-
ing what the Lord has shown me.' . . . In
rebuking the wrongs of one, He designs to
correct
many."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp.
658, 659.
10.
In what firm manner did Peter
bear testimony to a deceived believer?
Acts 8:18-23.
NOTE
.—"In a view given me about
twenty years ago, `I was then directed to
bring out general principles, in speaking
and in writing, and at the same time specify
the dangers, errors, and sins of some indi-
viduals, that all might be warned, reproved,
and counseled. I saw that all should search
their own hearts and lives closely to see if
they had not made the same mistakes for
which others were corrected and if the
warnings given for others did not apply to
their own cases. If so, they should feel
that the counsel and reproofs were given
especially for them and should make as
practical an application of them as though
they were especially addressed to them-
selves.'"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 660.
11.
Upon what divine power was
the agent of prophecy dependent?
2 Peter 1:20, 21.
NorE.—In answering a question in 1860
concerning the visions, Mrs. White reveals
to what extent she is dependent upon the
aid of the Spirit of God in delivering the
messages:
"After I come out of vision I do not at
once remember all that I have seen, and the
matter is not so clear before me until I
write, then the scene rises before me as was
presented in vision, and I can write with
freedom. Sometimes the things which I
have seen are hid from me after I come out
of vision, and I cannot call them to mind
until I am brought before a company where
that vision applies, then the things which I
I 18
have seen come to my mind with force. I
am just as dependent upon the Spirit of
the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as
in having the vision. It is impossible for
me to call up things which have been shown
me unless the Lord brings them before me
at the time that He is pleased to have me
relate or write
them."—Spiritual Gifts
(1860), vol. 2, pp. 292, 293;
Selected Mes-
sages,
b. 1, pp. 36, 37.
A Messenger From God
12.
With what solemn words were
the prophets at times enjoined to be
faithful in delivering God's messages?
Jer. 26:2; Ezek. 2:5-7.
13.
Whom did Israel reject when
they asked Samuel for a king? 1 Sam.
8:1-10.
NoTE.—When the people of God walked
contrary to the guidance of His chosen
representatives they offended God. Wrote
Ellen White:
"I saw the state of some who stood on
present truth, but disregarded the visions
—the way God had chosen to teach in
some cases, those who erred from Bible
truth. I saw that in striking against the
visions they did not strike against the worm
—the feeble instrument that God spake
through—but against the Holy Ghost. I
saw it was a small thing to speak against
the instrument, but it was dangerous to
slight the words of God. I saw if they
were in error and God chose to show them
their errors through visions, and they
disregarded the teachings of God through
visions, they would be left to take their
own way, and run in the way of error, and
think they were right, until they would find
it out too late. Then in the time of trouble
I heard them cry to God in agony, 'Why
didst Thou not show us our wrong, that we
might have got right and been ready for
this time?' Then an angel pointed to them
and said, 'My Father taught, but you would
not be taught. He spoke through visions,
but you disregarded His voice, and He
gave you up to your own ways, to be filled
with your own
doings.' "—Selected Mes-
sages,
b. 1, p. 40.
Thought Questions:
(1) Have you ever
read anything in the Bible or in the
Testi-
monies for the Church
that seemed to have
been written just for you? (2) When such
messages were in the nature of a reproof,
did you regard them as equally inspired
with the gracious promises?
Lesson 6, for May 12, 1962
Testing the Claims of the Prophet
MEMORY VERSE:
"Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which
is good." 1 Thess. 5:20,
21.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 671-676; "Selecte"d Messages," b. 2,
pp. 63-100; A. G. Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages 277-307;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show how (1) to test the work of an individual who claims the
gift of prophecy, and (2) to apply these standard Bible tests to the life and
ministry of Ellen G. White.
THE LESSON
Introduction

clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
"Christ warned His disciples: 'Beware of Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
false prophets, which come to you in sheep's thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth
[ 19 ]
forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bring-
eth forth evil fruit.' . . . Here is a test, and
all can apply it if they will. Those who
really desire to know the truth will find
sufficient evidence for
belief."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 671, 672. See also
The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 263.
In addition to the specifically designated
Bible tests which we shall study in this
lesson, there are certain evidences which
oftimes prove to be of great service in ex-
amining the claims of anyone who says he
speaks for God. The message of the true
prophet will be (a) timely,
(b)
of a practi-
cal nature,
(c)
on a high spiritual plane,
not childish or mingling the sublime and the
ridiculous, and
(d)
not tempered to curry
the favor of men.
The testimony will be motivated, not by
impressions or impulses, but by a definite
vision from God, and in historical connota-
tion we see the physical phenomena con-
nected with the visions as one evidence
among other evidences. We now turn to
the basic Bible tests, and we shall examine
Mrs. White's work in the light of these tests.
Four Bible Tests
1.
By what unerring standards must
the teachings of any who lay claim to
the gift of prophecy be measured? Isa.
8:20.
2.
What is another crucial test of a
prophet's work? Deut. 18:20-22. Com-
pare Jer. 28:9; 2 Peter 1:19.
Nora.—The proof of a prophet's creden-
tials lies, in part, in the fulfillment of his
predictions. Note how this was found true
of Samuel. 1 Sam. 3:16-21.
3.
In applying the test of fulfilled
predictions, what must be taken into
consideration? Jer. 18:9, 10.
NOTE.—The fulfillment of certain proph-
ecies may be dependent on the attitude of
those concerned, whether this condition is
stated in the prophecies or not. Many
promises were made to Israel which were
not fulfilled because Israel came so far
short of doing God's will. Certain condi-
tions arose which led the Lord to alter His
purpose in leading the children of Israel
promptly into the Promised Land. "Ye shall
know My breach of promise," the Lord de-
clared. See Num. 14:34, margin.
The Lord postponed the clearly predicted
overthrow of Nineveh. The city was not
destroyed in forty days, as the prophet de-
clared, yet Jonah was a true prophet. See
Jonah 1:2; 3:2, 3, 5, 10.
Of the conditional nature of God's prom-
ises, Ellen G. White, writing of the continu-
ation of time beyond their early expectation
and especially in the light of her statements
that time was short, wrote: "The angels
of God in their messages to men represent
time as very short. Thus it has always been
presented to me. It is true that time has
continued longer that we expected in the
early days of this message. Our Saviour
did not appear as soon as we hoped. But
has the word of the Lord failed? Never!
It should be remembered that the promises
and threatenings of God are alike condi-
tional."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 67.
4.
What was given as another mark
of a true prophet? 1 John 4:1, 2.
NoTE.—"Loyalty to the person of Christ
—to His pre-existence, His Incarnation, His
Deity, His divine Sonship, His virgin birth,
His miracle-working power, the divine au-
thority of His teaching, His substitutionary
and expiatory death, His literal resurrection,
His ascension, His mediatory and inter-
cessory priesthood, and the promise of His
bodily, visible, personal, and imminent re-
turn—this is the fundamental test for de-
termining satisfactorily whether a prophet
is false or true."—C. B. Haynes,
The Gift
of Prophecy,
revised ed., pp. 110, 111.
5.
What very reasonable test should
be applied to anyone professing to ex-
ercise the prophetic gift? Matt. 7:
15-20.
NorE.—The fruit of a prophet's work is
to be found (1) in his own personal life and
experience,
(2)
in the lives of those who
give heed to his messages and are influenced
by them, (3) the character of the work
which he attempts to establish.
[ 20 ]
6.
What invitation did Mrs. White
give to investigators who sought to
examine the fruitage of her prophetic
visions?
Answer:
"Let the
Testimonies
be judged
by their fruits. What is the spirit of their
teaching? What has been the result of
their influence? 'All who desire to do so can
acquaint themselves with the fruits of these
visions.' . . .
" 'God is either teaching His church, re-
proving their wrongs and strengthening
their faith, or He is not. This work is of
God, or it is not. God does nothing in part-
nership with Satan. My work .. . bears the
stamp of God or the stamp of the enemy.
There is no halfway work in the matter.
The
Testimonies
are of the Spirit of God,
or of the devil.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
5,
p. 671.
7.
How did Ellen G. White explain
her experience as God's messenger?
Answer:
"As the Lord has manifested
Himself through the spirit of prophecy,
`past, present, and future have passed be-
fore me. I have been shown faces that I had
never seen, and years afterward I knew
them when I saw them. I have been
aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of
subjects previously presented to my mind;
and I have written, at midnight, letters that
have gone across the continent and, ar-
riving at a crisis, have saved great disaster
to the cause of God. This has been my
work for many years. A power has impelled
me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I
had not thought of. Is this work of the
last thirty-six years from above or from
beneath?'
"—Testimonies, vol. 5,
p. 671.
8.
In applying to Mrs. White's
work the test of Isaiah 8:20, what do
we find?
Answer:
Ellen G. White's oral and writ-
ten messages exalted the law of God and
guided sincere searchers for truth to the
Holy Scriptures.
"'To the law and to the testimony'
While conflicting doctrines and theories
abound, the law of God is the one unerring
rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and
theories are to be tested. Says the prophet:
`If they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them.'
"—
The Great Controversy,
page 452.
On the last page of her first book, pub-
lished in 1851, she wrote: "I recommend to
you, dear reader, the word of God as the
rule of your faith and practice."—Early
Writings,
page 78.
9.
Give illustrations of Mrs. White's
predictions of future events.
Answer:
In 1849 and 1850 she identified
the mysterious knockings at Hydesville,
N.Y., as the work of Satan and predicted
that spiritualism would take on a religious
mold, that it would explain away the mira-
cles of Christ as the result of its power, and
would sweep the world in its rapid and
widespread growth. See
Early Writings,
pages 43, 59, 88. How accurately this has
been fulfilled!
In 1890, years before "modern" warfare
and our two world wars, she predicted the
results of such gigantic conflicts. See
Mes-
sages to Young People,
pages 89, 90.
Nora.—God opened to her mind scientific
truth in advance of scientific discovery.
Three illustrations are cited: In 1905 she
stated significantly that "tobacco is a slow,
insidious, but most malignant poison."—
The Ministry of Healing,
page 327. Recent
scientific tests reveal that tobacco smokers
of long standing may develop lung cancer
while unaware of the developing tumor.
Also in 1905, when discussing dietary in-
discretions, she warned of "cancerous
germs."—/bid., p. 313. Today medical
science, as the result of extensive research,
and after many denials, has linked cancer
with certain viruses or "miniature germs"
in both animals and human beings.
In 1869 Ellen White wrote: "What-
ever disturbs the circulation of the electric
currents in the nervous system lessens the
strength of the vital powers, and the result
is a deadening of the sensibilities of the
mind."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 347.
In the early years when Ellen White thus
wrote, the idea that there were electrical
currents in the body was quite foreign to
the thinking of physicians. In fact, but
very little was known about electricity at
the time. But now we come down nearly a
century from the time Ellen White wrote
[21
]
of "electric currents in the nervous system"
and find the scientific world is taking note
of the tiny pulsating electric currents ema-
nating from the brain, the frequency and
size of which vary with the individual.
"Today several hundred laboratories in
the United States and a similar number in
Europe are recording and interpreting
charts of the electrical discharges of human
brains. Their total annual output of charts
would girdle the earth. Hospitals all over
the world have accumulated thousands upon
thousands of brain-prints."—Scientific
American,
June, 1954, p. 54.
10.
How did Mrs. White exalt Je-
sus Christ and direct men and women
to Him as Lord and Saviour?
Answer:
All her writings ring true as steel
to the great fundamentals of Christianity.
Especially in her book
The Desire of Ages
do we find multiplied evidences that testify
to the dignity and honor of the Lord
Jesus Christ who, as John wrote, "is come
in the flesh." 1 John 4:2. Note the follow-
ing: "The crucified Messiah is the central
point of all Christianity."—Counsels
to Par-
ents, Teachers, and Students,
pages 23, 24.
"We are believers in Christ, . . . in His,
divinity and in His pre-existence."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 58.
11.
What is revealed when we ap-
ply the test, "By their fruits ye shall
know them"?
Answer:
The fruits of the spirit of proph-
ecy teachings as seen in the lives of those
who consistently follow its counsels, as
witnessed in the sound and rapidly growing
work of the church, and as demonstrated
in Ellen White's own personal life, all unite
to declare that the tree which bore the
fruit is good.
F. M. Wilcox, a past editor of the
Review
and Herald
and an associate of Ellen White,
said in a sermon at a General Conference
session, June 7, 1946: "Her life and Chris-
tian experience conformed to the pure, sim-
ple, dignified principles of the gospel of
Christ. She exemplified in her own life, as
does every true prophet, the principles of
truth she taught to others. . . .
"The work of Mrs.. White should not be
judged by some detail, by the turn of a
phrase or sentence, or by some seeming
contradiction in her writings. It should be
judged by the spirit which has characterized
her work through the years, by the fruit it
has borne in connection with the great
religious movement with which it was as-
sociated, and in the development of which
it bore a prominent part and exerted a
molding influence."—The
Spirit of Proph-
ecy Treasure Chest,
pages 10, 11.
A Warning Against False Prophets
12.
What warning does John sound
to guard the church from false proph-
ets? 1 John 4:1. Compare Matt. 7:15;
24:11.
NoTE.—Ellen G. White in 1905 reiterated
this warning through the pages of our
church paper: "There will be those who
will claim to have visions. When God gives
you clear evidence that the vision is from
Him, you may accept it, but do not accept
it on any other evidence; for people are go-
ing to be led more and more astray in
foreign countries and in
America."—Selected
Messages,
b. 2,
p.
72.
13.
Are we justified in testing those
who claim divine enlightenment by
the messages given through the spirit
of prophecy?
Answer:
"There will be false dreams and
false visions, which have some truth, but
lead away from the original faith. The Lord
has given men a rule by which to detect
them: 'To the law and to the testimony: if
they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them' (Isa. 8:20).
If they belittle the law of God,
if they pay
no heed to His will as revealed in the testi-
monies of His Spirit,
they are deceivers.
They are controlled by impulse and impres-
sions, which they believe to be from the
Holy Spirit, and consider more reliable than
the Inspired
Word."—Selected Messages,
b.
2,
p.
98. (Italics supplied.)
Appeal to Our Faith
14.
What does Paul admonish all
Christians to do? 1 Thess. 5:20, 21.
f.
22
Thought Questions:
(1) Have you per-
sonally "measured" the spirit of prophecy
writings, using the "yardstick" suggested
in this lesson? (2) What is the best proof
in your mind that Ellen G. White was the
inspired messenger of God?
Lesson 7, for May 19, 1962
Integrity of the Prophetic Message
MEMORY VERSE:
"As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will 1 speak."
2 Chron. 18:13.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 534-536; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) that the messages of the prophets are dependable, in
spite of the fact that the writers were human and fallible, and (2) that the
messages of the prophet were not molded by influences about him.
THE LESSON
NoTE.—"Prophets . . . are men who are
sure, because they are Spirit-taught; and
they speak therefore with the note of abso-
lute authority."—G. Campbell Morgan,
The
Ministry of the Word,
page 84.
2. What did the prophets often des-
ignate to be the source of the mes-
sages they bore? Hosea 1:1; Haggai
1:3, 7, 13.
Introduction
In Bible times there were those who
denied the divine source of the prophetic
messages, declaring that in the testimony
the prophet bore he was influenced by cer-
tain individuals or circumstances.
If the prophet were influenced, if his
messages were but a reflection of the opinion
or devices of those about him, or his testi-
monies originated with the thoughts of his
own mind, then his message would obvi-
ously be false, and his claims would be
rejected.
In the early years of Mrs. White's minis-
try a few attributed her visions to mesmer-
ism. See
Early Writings,
pages 21-23. At
times in later years it was suggested that
she was influenced by strong church leaders
about her—her husband, other administra-
tors, physicians, or educators.
When one man suggested to her that her
testimony revealed that she had been mis-
informed by certain brethren, she wrote:
"You think individuals have prejudiced my
mind. If I am in this state, I am not fitted
to be entrusted with the work of God."—
Selected Messages,
b. 2, p. 63.
The Prophetic Message Dependable
1. What can be said concerning the
surety of the messages of the prophets?
2 Peter 1:19.
An Attempt to Influence the
Prophet
3.
What circumstances led King
Ahab to inquire of the prophet Mica-
iah concerning a proposed military
expidition? 2 Chron.
18:1
-
8.
4.
How did Ahab's officer attempt
to influence Micaiah in his message to
the king? 2 Chron. 18:12.
5.
What did Micaiah resolve, re-
gardless of circumstances? 2 Chron.
18:13, 16, 27.
NOTE.—Micaiah, the true prophet of the
Lord, who could not be influenced, was
sent to prison. King Ahab, in spite of the
23
forecast of disaster, went into battle and
was slain. Jehoshaphat barely escaped with
his life.
Accused of Being Influenced
6.
As Jeremiah delivered an impor-
tant prophetic message to the leaders
of Judah, of what did they accuse
him? Jer. 43:1, 2.
NOTE.—Jeremiah's counsel which was
rejected by many leaders in Judah is re-
corded in the preceeding chapter. See Jere-
miah 42:4-22. Jeremiah had faithfully
delivered God's message which he gave in
response to inquiries that these same men
had made concerning the course that Judah
should take in a time of national crisis.
See verses 1-4.
7.
Who was said to have originated
the counsel Jeremiah declared to be
from the Lord? Jer. 43:3.
NoTE.—In an endeavor to dismiss God's
clear instruction which did not appeal to
them as reasonable or safe counsel, the
charge was now made by the princes that
the message had actually originated with
Jeremiah's literary assistant, and not with
the Lord.
This attempt to dismiss as unworthy of
confidence the written messages of the
prophets did not cease in Jeremiah's day. At
times it was suggested that Mrs. White's
literary assistants, rather than the Lord,
were responsible for certain messages of
counsel that were sent out. Mrs. White
makes reference to this charge, but gives
credit for the influences working upon her
mind to "One who is mighty in counsel."
She wrote:
"There are those who say, 'Someone
manipulates her writings.' I acknowledge
the charge. It is One who is mighty in
counsel, One who presents before me the
condition of things."—Letter 52, 1906,
quoted in
Messenger to the Remnant,
page
17, by Arthur L. White.
Mrs. White was instructed of God as to
whom she could trust and whom she could
not trust in the copying of her handwritten
messages and assisting in preparing the
manuscripts for the printer. She herself
examined every page before it was sent out.
We may be assured that the counsels were
not altered as they passed from the hand-
written drafts to the printed page. Mrs.
White had no "ghost" writers.
God's Controlling Power
Recognized
8.
What did Balak request Balaam
to do, and with what results? Num.
22:1-7; 23:5-11.
NOTE.—"Balaam was once a good man
and a prophet of God; but he had aposta-
tized, and had given himself up to covet-
ousness; yet he still professed to be a
servant of the Most High. He was not
ignorant of God's work in behalf of Israel;
and when the messengers announced their
errand, he well knew that it was his duty
to refuse the rewards of Balak, and to dis-
miss the ambassadors. But he ventured to
dally with temptation, and urged the mes-
sengers to tarry with him that night, de-
claring that he could give no decided
answer till he had asked counsel of the
Lord. Balaam knew that his course could
not harm Israel. God was on their side,
and so long as they were true to Him no
adverse power of earth or hell could pre-
vail against them. But his pride was flat-
tered by the words of the ambassadors, 'He
whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom
thou cursest is cursed.' The bribe of costly
gifts and prospective exaltation excited his
covetousness. He greedily accepted the of-
fered treasures, and then, while professing
strict obedience to the will of God, he tried
to comply with the desires of Balak."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 439.
9.
How did Balaam, who was cov-
etous, make it clear that his pro-
nouncement would be dictated by
God? Num. 22:38. On what was this
explanation based? Verse 20.
NOTE.—"As he [Balaam] professed
to
be.
God's prophet, .. . all he should say would
be supposed to be uttered by divine au-
thority. Hence he was not to be permitted
to speak as he chose, but must deliver the
[24
]
message which God should give him. 'The
word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt
thou do,' was the divine command."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
page 441.
10.
When the king remonstrated
with Balaam for not cursing Israel,
how did Balaam answer? Num. 23:
12, 25, 26; 24:10-13.
Integrity of the Spirit of Prophecy
Writings
11.
To whom did Mrs. White give
credit for the messages found in her
books?
Answer:
"Sister White is not the origi-
nator of these books. They contain the in-
struction that during her lifework God has
been giving her. They contain the precious,
comforting light that God has graciously
given His servant to be given to the world."
—Colporteur Ministry,
page 125.
NOTE.—Further observation fills out the
picture as we read her comments concerning
the messages as set forth in other ways.
Articles in church papers:
"I do not write
one article in the paper expressing merely
my own ideas. They are what God has
opened before me in vision—the precious
rays of light shining from the throne."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 67.
The letter testimonies:
"You might say
that this communication was only a letter.
Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the
Spirit of God, to bring before your minds
things that had been shown me. In these
letters which I write, in the testimonies I
bear, I am presenting to you that which
the Lord has presented to
me."—Ibid.
Interviews:
"This morning I attended a
meeting where a select few were called to-
gether to consider some questions that were
presented to them by a letter soliciting con-
sideration and advice on these subjects. Of
some of these subjects I could speak, be-
cause at sundry times and in divers places
many things have been presented to me....
"As my brethren read the selections from
letters, I knew what to say to them; for
this matter has been presented to me again
and again."—Ellen G. White,
Southern
Work,
page 97.
12.
With what assuring words did
Mrs. White answer the charge that
she had been influenced in the content
of her writing?
Answer:
"Some are ready to inquire:
Who told Sister White these things? They
have even put the question to me: Did any-
one tell you these things? I could answer
them: Yes; yes, the angel of God has spoken
to
me."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 314.
NozE.—Addressing the officers of one of
the denomination's large institutions at a
time of crisis, Ellen G. White wrote from
Australia:
"Unbelief is expressed by the words,
`Who has written these things to Sister
White?' But I know of no one who knows
them as they are, and no one who could
write that which he does not suppose has
an existence. Someone has told me,—He
who does not falsify, misjudge, or exag-
gerate any
case."—Special Instruction Re-
lating to the Review and Herald Office and
the Work in Battle Creek,
page 16.
13.
What answer did Mrs. White
give to the suggestion that certain
testimonies reflected her personal
opinion?
Answer:
"In the testimonies sent to —
I have given you the light God has given
to me. In no case have I given my own
judgment or opinion. I have enough to
write of what has been shown me, without
falling back on my own opinions. . . . In-
stead of repenting before God, you reject
His words, and attribute all the warnings
and reproof to the messenger whom the
Lord
sends."—Testimonies for the Battle
Creek Church,
1882, page 58.
NOTE.—Discussing the editorial policy of
the
Signs of the Times,
Mrs. White prefaced
her counsels by saying, "Permit me to ex-
press my mind, and yet not my mind, but
the word of the Lord."—Ellen G. White,
Counsels to Writers and Editors,
page 112.
The following words need no comment:
"What reserve power has the Lord with
which to reach those who have cast aside
His warnings and reproofs, and have ac-
credited the testimonies of the Spirit of
God to no higher source than human wis-
[ 25
dom? In the judgment what can you who
have done this offer to God as an excuse
for turning from the evidences He has
given you that God was in the work? `By
their fruits ye shall know
them.' "—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 466.
Thought Questions:
(1) What are the
personal reasons that you would give for
defending the integrity of Mrs. White's
writings? (2) Have you noticed the uni-
formity of doctrine and emphasis in the
spirit of prophecy counsels?
Lesson 8, for May 26, 1962
The Primacy of the Bible
MEMORY VERSE:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
2 Tim.
3:16, 17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Selected Messages," b.
1,
pp. 15-23; "The Great Controversy,"
chapter 37; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) that the word of God is a trustworthy and infallible
revelation of God's will, and (2) that when its purpose is understood and the
manner of reading and interpretation is clear, and its message accepted, we
shall find salvation in its pages.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In His word, God has committed to men
the knowledge necessary for salvation. The
Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an
authoritative, infallible revelation of His
will. They are the standard of character,
the revealer of doctrines, and the test of
experience."—The
Great Controversy,
In-
troduction, page vii.
"I take the Bible just as it is, as the
Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in
an entire Bible.. .
"Brethren, cling to,your Bible, as it reads,
and stop your criticisms in regard to its
validity, and obey the word, and not one
of you will be
lost."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, pp. 17, 18. See also
Education,
pages
123, 124.
Inspiration of the Bible Writers
1. What claim did Paul make con-
cerning the Holy Scriptures? 2 Tim.
3:15-17.
NOTE.—" 'Inspiration' is found twice in
the KJV: (1) Job 32:8, where `inspiration'
is literally `breath,' and (2) 2 Ti 3:16,
where the phrase, `all Scripture is given by
inspiration of God,' is literally, `all Scripture
is God-breathed.'
"—S.D.A. Bible Diction-
ary,
page 504.
A supernatural influence exerted on the
writers of Scripture by the Holy Spirit gave
to their writings a certain trustworthiness
that could not be found in the works of
ordinary authors. One proof of its divine
validity is the change produced in the life
of the student of Scripture. It "effectually
worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thess.
2:13.
2. How did Peter describe the
workings of divine inspiration?
2 Peter 1:21.
NOTE.—"The Spirit of God 'moved' the
prophets. This is a word of wonderful
significance. Literally, it means to be `borne
along,' carried along,' impelled' or `driven.'
[ 26 ]
Weymouth uses `impelled,' and in Acts
27:15, 17 we read of the ship in which
the apostle Paul sailed as being 'driven'
by the storm. This is the same word."—
W. E. Read,
The Bible, the Spirit of Proph-
ecy, and the Church,
page 17.
John says that he "was in the Spirit,"
(Rev. 1:10), "that is, I received the Spirit
of prophecy, and was under its influence
when the first vision was exhibited."—
Clarke's Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 972.
3.
Did God communicate to the
prophet, in each case, the very words
of His message? Ezek. 40:4; 11:24, 25.
Compare Rev. 1:10, 11.
NOTE.—"God has been pleased to com-
municate His truth to the world by human
agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy
Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do
this work. He guided the mind in the selec-
tion of what to speak and what to write.
The treasure was entrusted to earthen ves-
sels, yet it is, nonetheless, from Heaven. The
testimony is conveyed through the imper-
fect expression of human language, yet it
is the testimony of God; and the obedient,
believing child of God beholds in it the
glory of a divine power, full of grace and
truth."—The
Great Controversy,
Intro-
duction, pages vi, vii.
4.
What term is sometimes applied
to the prophets of God? Luke 1:70;
2 Peter 3:2. Compare 2 Peter 1:21.
NOTE.—The prophets who were moved
by the Holy Spirit were holy men, men
called of God to do a holy work, and cer-
tainly holiness of life was an essential pre-
requisite to the prophetic office. Only holy
men and women were called to bear "the
word of the Lord." The prophet might be
struggling against personal prejudice like
Jonah, or fall into sin like David, or sin like
Moses on the borders of the Promised Land,
but God could and did accept the confession
and repentance of these men. However,
He could not and did not continue to accept
the person of apostates like Balaam who
sold his allegiance to God for the favor of
the world. The life record of Ellen G. White,
while not free from frailties, was distin-
guished for its Christlike consistency and
integrity.
Authority of the Scriptures
5.
Of whom do the Scriptures tes-
tify? John 5:39.
NorE.—"Jesus said of the Old Testament
Scriptures,—and how much more is it true
of the New,—`They are they which testify
of Me,' the Redeemer, Him in whom our
hopes of eternal life are centered. John
5:39. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ.
From the first record of creation—for 'with-
out Him was not anything made that was
made'—to the closing promise, 'Behold I
come quickly,' we are reading of His works
and listening to His voice. John 1:3 ;
Revelation 22:12. If you would become
acquainted with the Saviour, study the
Holy Scriptures."—Steps
to Christ,
1956
and pocket eds., p. 88.
"As you read the Bible, you will see the
matchless charms of Jesus. You will fall in
love with the Man of Calvary. . . . You
may drink of the waters of salvation. . . .
Then your lips will speak thanksgiving to
God."—Life Sketches,
page 293.
6.
In His earthly life, to what au-
thority did Christ appeal? Luke 4:4,
8, 10; Matt. 26:31. Compare Deut.
8:3; Zech. 13:7.
NoTE.—"Jesus met Satan with the words
of Scripture. 'It is written,' He said. In every
temptation the weapon of His warfare was
the word of God. Satan demanded of
Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity.
But that which is greater than all miracles,
a firm reliance upon a `Thus saith the Lord,'
was a sign that could not be controverted.
So long as Christ held to this position, the
tempter could gain no advantage."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 120.
"We are to receive God's word as su-
preme authority. We must accept its truths
for ourselves. And we can appreciate these
truths only as we search them out by per-
sonal
study."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 402.
7.
What is said of the enduring
nature of God's word? Isa. 40:8;
Matt. 24:35; Ps. 119:89.
[ 27 ]
NoTE.—"This Holy Book has withstood
the assaults of Satan, who has united with
evil men to make everything of divine
character shrouded in clouds and darkness.
But the Lord has preserved this Holy Book
by His own miraculous power in its present
shape—a chart or guidebook to the human
family to show them the way to heaven."
—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 15.
8.
What unique power is found in
the word of God? 1 Peter 1:23-25;
2:2; John 17:17.
NoTE.—"The truths of the Bible, re-
ceived, will uplift the mind from its earth-
liness and debasement. If the word of God
were appreciated as it should be, both
young and old would possess an inward
rectitude, a strength of principle, that would
enable them to resist temptation."—Testi-
monies, vol. 8,
p. 319.
"Let the student take the Bible as his
guide and stand like a rock for principle,
and he may aspire to any height of at-
tainment."—Ibid., p. 322.
How to Study the Bible
9.
What noble example in Bible
study was set by the Bereans? Acts 17:
11. Compare Ps. 119:33, 36, 38, 40.
NOTE.—"We should exert all the powers
of the mind in the study of the Scriptures
and should task the understanding to com-
prehend, as far as mortals can, the deep
things of God; yet we must not forget
that the docility and submission of a child
is the true spirit of the learner. . . . We
must come with a humble and teachable
spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I
AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our
minds and harden our hearts that we shall
not be impressed by the truth."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 599.
"Never should the Bible be studied with-
out prayer. Before opening its pages we
should ask for the enlightenment of the
Holy Spirit, and it will be
given."—Steps
to Christ,
page 91.
10.
What important principle
stated with respect to Revelation can
be applied to the whole Bible? Rev.
22:18, 19.
NOTE.—"When men, compassed with hu-
man infirmities, affected in a greater or less
degree by surrounding influences, and hav-
ing hereditary and cultivated tendencies
which are far from making them wise or
heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the
word of God, and to pass judgment upon
what is divine and what is human, they
are working without the counsel of God.
The Lord will not prosper such a work.
The effect will be disastrous, both upon the
one engaged in it and upon those who ac-
cept it as a work from God. Skepticism
has been aroused in many minds by the
theories presented as to the nature of in-
spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow,
shortsighted views, feel themselves compe-
tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This
passage is needful, and that passage is not
needful, and is not inspired.'
"—Testimonies,
vol.
5. p. 709.
"The language of the Bible should be
explained according to its obvious meaning,
unless a symbol or figure is employed.
Christ has given the promise: 'If any man
will do His will, he shall know of the doc-
trine.' John 7:17. If men would but take
the Bible as it reads, if there were no false
teachers to mislead and confuse their minds,
a work would be accomplished that would
make angels glad and that would bring into
the fold of Christ thousands upon thou-
sands who are now wandering in error."—
The Great Controversy,
page 599.
11.
Why cannot the "natural man"
understand the Scriptures? 1 Cor. 2:
12-14.
12.
What will be the experience of
all who live by the truths of the Bible?
Ps. 119:103, 104. Compare Luke 4:4.
Thought Questions:
(1) Do you hold
the Bible in the same high esteem as did
Ellen G. White? (2) Cite instances in
which the writings of Mrs. White magnify
the Scriptures.
[
281
Lesson 9, for June 2, 1962
Place and Work of the Spirit of Prophecy
MEMORY VERSE:
"Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led
captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." "And He gave some, apostles;
and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:8, 11-13.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," Introduction, pages vii-xii, trade ed.;
pp. 9-14, missionary ed.; "Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 24-39; "Patriarchs
and Prophets," Introduction, by Uriah Smith; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) that spiritual gifts are to operate in the church in the
last days; (2) the relationship that exists between the Bible and the spirit of
prophecy writings; and (3) to clarify the role of the spirit of prophecy in the
remnant church.
THE LESSON
Introduction
" 'The word of God is sufficient to en-
lighten the most beclouded mind and may
be understood by those who have any de-
sire to understand it. But notwithstanding
all this, some who profess to make the word
of God their study are found living in direct
opposition to its plainest teachings. Then,
to leave men and women without excuse,
God gives plain and pointed testimonies,
bringing them back to the word that they
have neglected to follow.' The word of
God abounds in general principles for the
formation of correct habits of living, and
the testimonies, general and personal, have
been calculated to call their attention more
especially to these principles.'
"—Testimo-
nies,
vol. .5, pp. 663, 664.
The Blessings of the Spiritual Gifts
1. Of what would Paul not have
the Corinthian believers to be igno-
rant? 1 Cor. 12:1.
NoTE.—The church should understand
the place and operation of spiritual gifts.
We talk much about the fruits of the Spirit,
little about the gifts. The gifts beautify the
church and make it noble in character,
united in purpose, strong in witness, ready
for translation to heaven. Wrote James
White in his preface to
Spiritual Gifts,
vol. 3:
"The object of the gifts, as stated by
Paul, was 'for the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edify-
ing of the body of Christ, till we all come
in the unity of the faith.' These were Heav-
en's appointed means to secure the unity of
the church. Christ prayed that His peo-
ple might be one, as He was one with His
Father. Read John 17. Paul exhorted the
Corinthians in the name of Christ to be
perfectly joined together in the same mind,
and in the same judgment. Read 1 Cor. 1:
10; Rom. 15:5; Phil. 2:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:8;
5:5. The gifts were given to secure this
state of unity."—Page 29.
2.
Enumerate the principal gifts of
the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.
12:28, 8-10.
Nora.—It is important for the church to
understand the role of the gift of prophecy
in its midst. Wrote Ellen White: " 'In an-
cient times God spoke to men by the mouth
of prophets and apostles.
In
these days He
[29]
speaks to them by the testimonies of His
Spirit. There was never a time when God
instructed His people more earnestly than
He instructs them now concerning His will
and the course that He would have them
pursue.' "—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 661.
3.
What gift did Paul say the
Corinthian believers were especially
to desire? 1 Cor. 14:1.
NOTE.—Wrote A. G. Daniells, for over
twenty years president of the General Con-
ference of Seventh-day Adventists: "The
gift of prophecy is one of God's choicest
gifts to the human family. Indeed, it ranks
next to the supreme gift of His only-begot-
ten Son and of His Holy Spirit to a world
estranged and separated by
sin."—The
Abiding Gift of Prophecy,
page 15.
4.
Where were spiritual gifts to be
manifest? 1 Cor. 12:28. For how long?
1 Cor. 13:9, 10.
NOTE.—The appearance of the gift of
prophecy among Seventh-day Adventists
has been recognized since the beginning by
leaders of the movement. This faith has been
expressed in General Conference sessions
for nearly a century. The church has un-
waveringly clung to its belief in the divine
guidance manifest through the agent of the
prophetic gift, Ellen G. White. The follow-
ing statements, made by delegates in of-
ficial session of the General Conference in
1867 and 1958, are typical:
"Resolved,
That we express our contin-
ued faith in the perpetuity of spiritual
gifts during the gospel dispensation, and
our gratitude to God that He has intimately
connected the spirit of prophecy with the
proclamation of the third angel's message."
—Review and Herald,
May 28, 1867.
"As delegates to the world session of the
General Conference of Seventh-day Ad-
ventists, we reaffirm our belief and full con-
fidence in this prophetic gift, as manifested
through Ellen G. White. And because God
provided that His instruction through the
gift of prophecy should be published in
books and made available to all, the bless-
ings of the gift live on. We believe that
these writings are God's inspired counsel
to the
church."—Review and Herald,
June
25, 1958.
Purpose of the Spirit of Prophecy
5.
What is God's purpose in be-
stowing spiritual gifts in the church?
Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:22, last
part.
No'rE.—The testimony of Uriah Smith,
one of the pioneers of the church, concern-
ing the influence of the spirit of prophecy
on the lives of church members will be
helpful:
"Their fruit is such as to show that the
source from which they spring, is the op-
posite of evil.
"They tend to the purest morality. They
discountenance every vice, and exhort to
the practice of every virtue. They point out
the perils through which we are to pass to
the kingdom. They reveal the devices of
Satan. They warn us against his snares.
They have nipped in the bud, scheme after
scheme of fanaticism which the enemy has
tried to foist into our midst. They have
exposed hidden iniquity, brought to light
concealed wrongs, and laid bare the evil
motives of the falsehearted. They have
warded off dangers from the cause of truth
upon every hand. They have aroused and
rearoused us to greater consecration to
God, more zealous efforts for holiness of
heart, and greater diligence in the cause
and service of our Master."—Review
and
Herald,
June 12, 1866, page 9.
6.
How does the True Witness deal
with the Laodicean church, and what
counsel does He offer? Rev. 3:14, 19.
NorE.—This chastening process is ac-
complished by the messages of reproof and
correction given through the prophets. Is it
not significant that this is brought to view
in connection with the message to the La-
odicean church?
Applying the words of this text to the
testimonies she bore, Ellen White declared:
"The Lord has seen fit to counsel El-
der —, to give him words of reproof be-
cause he had erred; but is this an evidence
that God has forsaken him?—No. 'As many
as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent' (Rev. 3:19). The
Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is
this an evidence that He has rejected them?
[ 80 ]
—No. There are errors in the church, and
the Lord points them out by His own or-
dained agencies, not always through the
testimonies."—Selected
Messages,
b. 2, p. 81.
7.
Instead of an indication of God's
rejection, of what is the chastening of
the Lord a certain evidence? Heb. 12:
6, 7. What excellent results does this
chastening produce? Verse 11.
8.
How did the vision of the sheet
let down from heaven, given to the
church through Peter, teach an im-
portant Bible principle? Acts 10:1-35.
Compare 2 Chron. 19:7.
NoTE.—As the vision of Peter corrected
him in his error and prejudice toward the
Gentiles, so the prophetic writings correct
those who have a tendency to err from Bi-
ble principles. Wrote Ellen G. White at
the close of her first book in which she
presented the early vision:
"I recommend to you, dear reader, the
word of God as the rule of your faith and
practice. By that word we are to be judged.
God has, in that word, promised to give
visions in the
'last days;'
not for a new rule
of faith, but for the comfort of His peo-
ple, and to correct those who err from Bible
truth.
Thus God dealt with Peter when
He was about to send him to preach to the
Gentiles.
(Acts 10.)"—Early
Writings,
page
78. (Italics supplied.)
9.
How does Mrs. White indicate
the relationship of her messages to the
Bible?
Answer:
"Little heed is given to the Bi-
ble, and the Lord has given a lesser light
to lead men and women to the greater
light."—Colporteur Ministry,
page
125.
Writing further of this relationship Mrs.
White observed: "The Spirit was not given
—nor can it ever be bestowed—to super-
sede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly
state that the word of God is the standard
by which all teaching and experience must
be tested."—The
Great Controversy,
In-
troduction, page vii.
NOTE.—That the writings of Mrs. White
were not given to take the place of the Bi-
ble, the following extract from a testimony
published in 1876 will show:
"Brother J would confuse the mind by
seeking to make it appear that the light
God has given through the
Testimonies
is
an addition to the word of God, but in
this he presents the matter in a false light.
God has seen fit in this manner to bring
the minds of His people to His, word, to
give them a clearer understanding of it."—
Testimonies,
vol_ 4, p. 246.
The Work of Mrs. Ellen G. White
10.
What claim did Mrs. White
make for herself and her work?
Answer:
"I have had no claims to make,
only that
I am instructed that I am the
Lord's messenger;
that He called me in my
youth to be His messenger, to receive His
word, and to give a clear and decided mes-
sage in the name of the Lord Jesus."—
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 32.
11.
What did Mrs. White refrain
from claiming?
Answer:
In a public address delivered
October 2, 1904, in Battle Creek, Michigan,
Mrs. White stated that she did "not claim
to be a prophetess."—Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 35. Explaining this later, she wrote:
"During the discourse, I said that I did
not claim to be a prophetess. Some were
surprised at this statement, and as much is
being said in regard to it, I will make an
explanation. Others have called me a proph-
etess, but I have never assumed that title.
I have not felt that it was my duty thus to
designate myself. Those who boldly assume
that they are prophets in this our day are
often a reproach to the cause of Christ.
"My work includes much more than this
name signifies. I regard myself as a mes-
senger, entrusted by the Lord with mes-
sages for His
people."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, pp. 35, 36.
"My commission embraces the work of
a prophet, but it does not end there."—
Ibid.,
p. 36.
"My work includes much more than the
word 'prophet' signifies.
[ 31 ]
"When this work was first given me, I
begged the Lord to lay the burden on some-
one else. The work was so large and broad
and deep that I feared I could not do it.
But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has en-
abled me to perform the work which He
gave me to
do."—I bid.,
pp. 32, 33.
12. What work did God "espe-
cially" assign to Mrs. White?
Answer:
"The work which the Lord has
laid out before me especially is to urge
young and old, learned and unlearned, to
search the Scriptures for themselves; to
impress upon all that the study of God's
word will expand the mind and strengthen
every faculty, fitting the intellect to wrestle
with problems of truth, deep and far-reach-
ing; to assure all that the clear knowledge
of the Bible outdoes all other knowledge in
making man what God designed he should
be."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 686.
Thought Questions:
(1) Does the read-
ing of these prophetic writings whet your
appetite for Bible study?
(2)
When you
read Mrs. White's writings do you find
yourself thinking primarily of the writer's
style or God's salvation; of Christ or Mrs.
White; of the beauty of the language or
the truth expressed?
Lesson 10, for June 9, 1962
Marks of the Remnant. Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make
war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and
have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 446-449; vol. 8, pp. 41, 42; "Testimonies
to Ministers," pages 132-135; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "Prophets and
Kings," pages 605, 606.
LESSON AIM:
To identify the remnant church and to show that its final triumph
is sure.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"God is leading a people out from the
world upon the exalted platform of eternal
truth, the commandments of God and the
faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit
up His people. They will not be at vari-
ance, one believing one thing, and another
having faith and views entirely opposite,
each moving independently of the body.
Through the diversity of the gifts and
governments that He has placed in the
church, they will all come to the unity of the
faith. . . .
"He has given His people a straight chain
of Bible truth, clear and connected. This
truth is of heavenly origin and has been
searched for as for hidden treasure. It has
been dug out through careful searching of
the Scriptures and through much prayer."
—Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 446, 447.
"Let all be careful not to make an out-
cry against the only people who are fulfill-
ing the description given of the remnant
people who keep the commandments of
God, and have faith in Jesus, who are
exalting the standard of righteousness in
these last days.
"God has a distinct people, a church on
earth, second to none, but superior to all
in their facilities to teach the truth, to vin-
dicate the law of God. God has divinely
appointed agencies—men whom He is lead-
ing, who have borne the heat and burden
of the day, who are co-operating with heav-
enly instrumentalities to advance the king-
dom of Christ in our world. Let all unite
with these chosen agents, and be found at
f32
]
last among those who have the patience of
the saints, who keep the commandments of
God, and have the faith of
Jesus."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
pages 57, 58.
Christ's Church Through the
Centuries
1.
What far-reaching truth was
given in response to Peter's confession
of faith in Christ? Matt. 16:13-19.
Compare Eph. 2:19-22.
NOTE.—"To those who believe, Christ is
a sure foundation. Upon this living stone,
Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is
broad enough for all and strong enough to
sustain the weight and burden of the whole
world."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
175.
2.
How did Christ begin to lay the
foundation of His church? John 1:
36-51.
NoTE.—"With the calling of John and
Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathan-
ael, began the foundation of the Christian
church."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 141.
3.
After Christ's ascension to
heaven, who was to be His representa-
tive in this world? John 14:16-18.
NoTE.—"He instructed His disciples re-
garding a most essential and complete gift
which He was to bestow upon His followers
—the gift that would bring within their
reach the boundless resources of His grace.
`I will pray the Father,' He said, 'and He
shall give you another Comforter, that He
may abide with you forever; even the
Spirit of truth.' John 14:16,
17."—The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 47.
4.
What rich endowments were
promised to the church with the com-
ing of the Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:7-11.
Compare John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26.
Nom—The Holy Spirit was the highest
gift that Christ could solicit from the Fa-
ther for the benefit of His people. But the
Spirit of God, Himself a gift, became a
Giver of gifts. 1 Cor. 12:1, 7. These gifts
were set
in
the church, not
outside
of it.
Wrote Uriah Smith in his introduction to
the book
Patriarchs and Prophets:
"These
gifts are said to be 'set in the
church,'
and if
a gift is bestowed upon even one member of
the church, it may be said that that gift is
`in the church.'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page xxi.
5.
What assurance of His continu-
ing presence did Christ give to His
disciples? Matt. 28:20, last part.
NoTE.—Jesus' promise, "Lo, I am with
you alway," is fulfilled through the pres-
ence of the Holy Spirit. The Master said of
His representative, the Spirit of God, "He
dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
John 14:17. Wrote John, "And hereby we
know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit
which He hath given us." 1 John 3:24. The
Spirit of God, said Jesus, would "abide with
you forever." John 14:16. The gifts of the
Spirit also are to be with the church until
the end of time.
Christian Church in Prophecy
6.
By what symbolic representation
did Christ the Revelator present to
John the Christian church in her war-
fare against the forces of evil? Rev.
12:1-5.
NOTE.—(1) The woman clothed with the
sun represents the true church. See Jer.
6:2; Eph. 5:25. (2) The Man-child who
will rule the world with a rod of iron rep-
resents Jesus Christ. See Ps. 2:7-9. (3) The
great red dragon represents Satan primarily,
and secondarily pagan Rome. See Rev. 12:
9;
The Great Controversy,
page 438. (4)
The remnant of the woman's seed repre-
sents the last true church of Christ. See
Rev. 12:17.
7.
How did John describe the con-
flict of the church following Christ's
ascension? Rev. 12:13, 6, 14-16.
[33]
Nom—Unsuccessful in his attacks upon
the "seed" of the woman (Christ), the
dragon next attacked the woman, the
church. Persecution broke out first against
the church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1; 9:1, 2),
later over much of the pagan Roman Em-
pire, still later throughout papal Europe
(Rev. 12:6). By the end of the eighteenth
century the flood tide of persecution ceased.
The time was now ripe for the fulfillment
of the last part of the symbolic prophecy
concerning the church.
8.
How is the persecuting work of
Satan against the remnant described?
Rev. 12:17, first part.
Nom—The noun "remnant" is from the
Greek,
loipoi,
"remaining ones," from the
verb,
/eipd,
"to leave," "to leave behind,"
and does not here represent a few scattered
believers but "a corporate entity, God's vis-
ible, divinely commissioned organization on
earth." See
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, pp. 812-815.
The "remnant" are as much the object
of Satan's attacks at the close of the gospel
dispensation as Christ and the apostles were
at the time the Christian church was estab-
lished. Warfare against God's people has
never ceased. Rather, it has intensified
through the centuries.
Marks of the Remnant Church
9.
What marks of identity are pro-
vided to distinguish the remnant
church? Rev. 12:17, last part; 19:10,
last part.
10.
What did the angel declare that
John's brethren, the prophets, pos-
sessed? Rev. 19:10; 22:9.
NoTE.—In Revelation 19:10 the angel
tells John that there are certain brethren
of his "that have the testimony of Jesus."
In Revelation 22:9 the angel identifies these
brethren of his as "thy brethren the proph-
ets." The prophets are the agents through
whom the gift of prophecy operates. Hence
it is impossible to have the testimony of
Jesus in the remnant church without a
prophet—a heaven-ordained mouthpiece for
God.
11.
What further marks of identity
does the remnant church possess? Rev.
14:12, 13.
12.
In what Christian movement of
these times have the gift of prophecy
and the other marks of prophetic
identity been manifest?
Answer:
As students of Bible prophecy,
Seventh-day Adventists see in the move-
ment to which they belong a fulfillment of
the specifications of prophecy. While
others, honest in heart, are
potentially
members of the remnant church, it should
be kept in mind that the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist movement itself represents the rem-
nant of Revelation 12:17.
13.
What message has been en-
trusted to the advent people? Rev.
14:6-13. Compare Matt. 24:14.
NoTE.—The people who give this three-
fold message constitute
"the
'remnant' of
the long and worthy line of God's chosen
people that has survived the fierce on-
slaughts of the dragon down through his-
tory, most particularly the darkness, perse-
cution, and error of the 'time, and times,
and half a time,' or 1260 'days' of vs. 6, 14.
It is God's
last
'remnant' by virtue of the
fact that it is the appointed herald of His
final appeal to the world to accept the
gracious gift of salvation (ch. 14:6-12)."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 815.
Wrote Ellen G. White, "God has a church
on earth who are lifting up the downtrod-
den law, and presenting to the world the
Lamb of God that taketh away the sins
of the world. The church is the depositary
of the wealth of the riches of the grace of
Christ, and through the church eventually
will be made manifest the final and full
display of the love of God to the world
that is to be lightened with its glory. The
prayer of Christ that His church may be
one as He was one with His Father will
finally be answered. The rich dowry of the
Holy Spirit will be given, and through its
constant supply to the people of God they
34
wilt become witnesses in the world of the
power of God unto salvation."—
Testimo-
nies to Ministers,
page 50.
14. What did Jesus say concerning
the triumph of His church? Matt.
1&18, last part. Compare Joel 2:32.
Nora.-9 warn the Seventh-day Advent-
ist Church to be careful how you receive
every new notion and those who claim to
have great light. The character of their
work seems to be to accuse and to tear
down. Let the believers heed the voice of
the angel who said to the church, 'Press
together' In unity is your strength. Love
as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. God
hath a church, and Christ hath declared,
'The gates of hell shall not prevail against
it' The messengers the Lord sends bear
the divine credentials."—Review
and Her-
ald,
Sept. 19, 18%, "The Remnant
Church,"
page 53.
"Messages of every order and kind have
been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists,
to take the place of the truth which, point
by point, has been sought out by prayerful
study, and testified to by the miracle-work-
ing power of the Lord. But the waymarks
which have made us what we are, are to
be preserved, and they will be preserved, as
God has signified through His word and
the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon
us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to
the fundamental principles that are based
upon unquestionable authority."—Comz-
se,ls
to Writers and Editors,
page 52.
Thought Questions:
(1) Is
it not pos-
sible to know the truth about God's rem-
nant church and advocate the truth with-
out being bigoted? (2) In days of uncer-
tainty, what is the result of knowing for
a certainty the truth about the remnant
church?
Lesson 11, for June 16, 1962
A Gift That Guides and Guards
MEMORY VERSE:
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt
go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." Ps. 32:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies to Ministers," pages 24-62; "The Abiding Gift of
Prophecy," pages 330-369; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show
(1)
how the divine enlightenment which came through the
prophet served to guide and guard the Lord's people in Bible times, and (2)
how "modern Israel" also has been divinely led and providentially guarded.
THE LESSON
Introduction
During the seventy years of her minis-
try (1845-1915), Ellen G. White was used
as God's instrument to bring prophetic
guidance to His people, often in times of
crisis. A review of the guiding and guard-
ing influences of the spirit of prophecy in
our midst through the years of our work
gives clear, convincing ground for confi-
dence in God's leadership.
Ellen G. White was not the leader of the
advent movement as Moses was of the
Exodus movement. She did not serve in a
kingly capacity as David did over Israel.
Her work was more like the work of Sam-
uel, who was a teacher in Israel.
But as
the Israel of old "from Dan to Beersheba"
recognized in Samuel the work of a true
prophet of God, so have Seventh-day Ad-
ventists recognized in the work of Ellen G.
White an instrumentality of God's Holy
Spirit sent to give direction and spiritual
aid and comfort to His people.
[35]
Promises and Messages of
Guidance
1. What were the prophets in olden
times frequently called? 1 Sam. 9:9.
NoTE.—God sees from the beginning to
the end. The prophet, or the seer, is some-
times referred to as the "eyes" of the
church.
The prophetic work of Ellen G. White,
from the earliest days of the movement,
offered:
(a)
Protection against elements of dan-
ger from within the church.
When in the
1850's self-confidence and pride threatened
the spirituality of the movement, the spirit
of prophecy counsels exposed our perilous
position as revealed in the first messages
published in 1855 in the early testimonies.
Fanaticism was also exposed and repudi-
ated.
(b)
Protection against elements of dan-
ger from without the church.
The devices
of the enemy were unmasked, first in ex-
posing mesmerism (or hypnotism), then
much in the public eye, and in revealing
the true elements of deception in modern
spiritualism, which had its beginnings in
1848.
(c)
Guidance in the understanding of
basic Christian truths.
The humble people
of God were led into a fuller understanding
of the plan of redemption and into a clearer
knowledge of the meaning of current events
and future events through the comprehen-
sive "Great Controversy" vision of 1858.
See
Early Writings,
pages 145-295. The five
volumes known as "The Conflict of the
Ages Series" were the outgrowth of this
vision of more than a century ago.
2. How does the prophet Isaiah de-
scribe those who publish peace and
salvation? Isa. 52:7.
NOTE.-At
a conference held in the home
of Otis Nichols at Dorchester, Massachu-
setts, in November, 1848, the pioneers
sought God for special guidance. Heaven
seemed near, and to Ellen White was given
a vision. What was shown to her that day
is now known to all. After the vision she
said to her husband:
" `I have a message for you. You must
begin to print a little paper and send it
out to the people. Let it be small at first;
but as the people read, they will send you
means with which to print, and it will be
a success from the first. From this small
beginning it was shown to me to be like
streams of light that went clear round the
world.'
"—Life Sketches,
page 125.
Thus
Present Truth,
our first periodical,
was born. Scores of people accepted the
third angel's message in the months that
followed. This first denominational print-
ing endeavor brought "good tidings" and
"peace" and "salvation" to those who read.
And the spirit of prophecy counsels brought
the paper to birth. Today forty-three pub-
lishing houses issue literature in more than
two hundred languages, valued at more
than $20,000,000 a year—"streams of light"
going "clear round the world"!
3. What experiences in the New
Testament church demonstrated the
value of church order and organiza-
tion? Acts 6:1-6. Compare Acts 15:
1-32.
NoTE.—What a blessing clearly defined
organization was to the early Christian
church. To similar protecting experiences
in organization the "remnant church" was
called, as discordant elements worked
against unity. Of this Ellen G. White in 1853
wrote:
"I saw that this door at which the enemy
comes in to perplex and trouble the flock
can be shut. I inquired of the angel how
it could be closed. He said, `The church
must flee to God's word and become estab-
lished upon gospel order, which has been
overlooked and neglected.' This is indis-
pensably necessary in order to bring the
church into the unity of the faith."—Early
Writings,
page 100.
As early as 1853 James White wrote in
favor of "order and strict discipline in the
church of Christ." Others supported the
suggestion to organize in the interests of
the growing church. In 1860, a group meet-
ing in Battle Creek voted to call themselves
Seventh-day Adventists and to recommend
the name to the churches generally. In 1863
the General Conference was organized. To-
day the church is world-wide, with "gospel
order" well established and operative.
[36]
4.
What experience came to the
apostle Paul that led him to carry the
gospel to Europe? Acts 16:9, 10.
NoTE.—Advance, advance to new and
unentered territories, has been the watch-
word among Seventh-day Adventists. And
in a night vision before the advent move-
ment had sent a single representative to
overseas lands, "One of dignity and author-
ity" was heard by Ellen White to speak.
"The whole world,' He said, 'is God's
great
vineyard.'"—Testimonies, vol.
7, p.
34. Eternity alone will reveal the influence
of the spirit of prophecy in the establish-
ment of our world mission program.
5.
In the days of Hezekiah, what
remarkable instance of divine guid-
ance and protection is recorded?
2 Chron.
32:22.
Compare Isa. 37:1, 2,
6, 7, 33-37.
NOTE.—As Hezekiah the king and Isaiah
the prophet sought the deliverance of Judah
from threatened annihilation at the hand
of the boastful king of Assyria, "the Lord
sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty
men" (2 Chronicles 32:21), and the king
of Assyria was compelled to abandon the
expedition in shame. Good King Hezekiah
is said to have been divinely guided "on
every side."
And God has guided His remnant people
"on every side" through the spirit of proph-
ecy. Three illustrations will make this
clear:
(a)
Initial counsels on healthful living
in 1863 and the establishment of a medical
institution in 1866 at Battle Creek, Michi-
gan. Here the sick might find physical and
spiritual healing and "learn how to take
care of themselves and thus prevent sick-
ness."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 494. This
was the beginning of a large sanitarium
and hospital work which has since belted
the globe.
(b)
The establishment of a college in
Battle Creek in 1874 in response to pro-
phetic guidance. This school was the first
of our major educational institutions, and
was followed by hundreds of colleges, acad-
emies, and church schools in many lands
throughout the earth.
(c)
The reorganization of the General
Conference in 1901 at a time when the
work had reached a stage of advanced
growth beyond the general plan of admin-
istration and leadership. Too much respon-
sibility resided in too few men. In the
session of that year, convened at Battle
Creek, Sister White personally appealed
to the leaders of the church, calling for a
division of responsibility reaching down
from the General Conference. As a result,
smaller units of organization came to birth.
Union conferences were organized and de-
partments created to promote important
phases of the growing work. Today Sev-
enth-day Adventists have a strong system
of church organization.
Messages that Protected and
Preserved
6.
In addition to leading the nation
of Israel, what other work is Moses
said to have done? Hosea 12:13.
NOTE.—Again and again through the
long centuries God has sent His messengers,
the prophets, to warn of errors and dangers,
to instruct in right living, and to encourage
His people to take a firmer hold of Om-
nipotence.
God miraculously delivered Israel, de-
graded in slavery and largely in ignorance
and apostasy, from bondage by the hand of
Moses and led them to the borders of the
Promised Land. To ensure the best of
spiritual and physical health, God gave to
His people just laws, intended to make of
them an exhibit before all the world of the
benefits to be derived from a cheerful ad-
herence to right principles. But time and
again they rebelled, and time and again the
prophetic voice of Moses was heard warn-
ing them of the dangers of disobedience and
assuring them of the favor and blessings of
God if they were obedient. By a prophet
was Israel led and preserved during those
crucial days.
7.
What may God's commandment-
keeping church, having the "testi-
mony of Jesus," expect at the hand of
the dragon, Satan? Rev. 12:17,
[,37
NOTE.—The remnant church is the spe-
cial point of Satan's attacks. Could he
overthrow the people of prophecy, he
would succeed in thwarting the purposes
of God. So from the first, when the people
of the prophecy came into being, the
"dragon was wroth, ... and went to make
war" with them. But in the text which
informs us of Satan's declaration of war
is the promise of the guiding light of the
spirit of prophecy. A review of the history
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church dis-
closes how "by the hand of a prophet" we
have been "preserved" from Satan's many
attacks.
One of the first tasks laid upon the
youthful Ellen Harmon in the early days
was to meet fanaticism. Her teachings re-
buked false views held by some on the
doctrine of sanctification.
Life Sketches,
pages 8.3-89. Attempts to set times for the
Lord to come were squarely met as she
was shown by the Lord that they would
pass by.
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 72. Thus
the unity of the church was preserved and
the messages of warning through the spirit
of prophecy erected a wall of protection
against unstable and apostate elements.
8. For what purpose did Christ
place the gifts in the church? Eph.
4:11, 13.
Nom--Paul envisioned the church living
in unity, edified and perfected, with a mem-
bership stable in its doctrinal positions, not
"tossed to and fro" by "every wind of
doctrine" introduced "by the sleight of
men, and cunning craftiness." When Satan
in his efforts to mislead souls has attempted
to bring in misleading teachings under the
banner of "new light," what a blessing it
has been to the remnant church to have
messages given "'to correct specious errors
and to specify what is truth.' "—Letter 117,
1910.
It was so at the turn of the century,
when insidious pantheistic views were art-
fully pressed upon Seventh-day Adventists
as new light. Prominent workers, medical
and ministerial, who led out in promulgat-
ing these false views of God in nature did
not see the evil fruitage of such teachings,
which would have neutralized every essen-
tial Seventh-thy Adventist doctrine. Not
a few were intrigued by these beautiful new
I 88
views concerning the power of God in
everything. But at the most critical mo-
ment in the crisis, when many men knew
not what views to accept, Ellen White,
instructed in vision to "meet it," dispatched
testimonies across the continent, which,
arriving at the crucial moment, clarified
the issues, settled— the controversy, and
saved the cause of God. See the full, thrill-
ing story in
The Abiding Gift of Prophecy,
pages 330-342.
And so the church was saved, "not once
or twice," but many times. And the warn-
ing, saving counsels given to meet these
issues live in the Ellen G. White books
to protect the church today.
9. What did the messages of the
prophet Elisha do for Israel? 2 Kings
6:8-12.
NoTE.—The attacks upon God's people
today may not be in the form of physical
violence, yet they are no less real and
perilous. One form in which the archen-
emy brings his attacks upon the remnant
is from within, as misguided and overzeal-
ous souls misuse the spirit of prophecy
counsels that were given to reform, as in-
indications that the church has become
Babylon.
This was particularly so in 1893 when a
layman took that position and published
a tract, "The Loud Cry of the Third An-
gel's Message," proclaiming the Seventh-
day Adventist Church as Babylon and urg-
ing the coming out of a small group that
would give the loud cry and usher in the
speedy advent of Christ. The spirit of
prophecy clearly and squarely met this
delusion, and the Loud Cry offshoot move-
ment was checked. The counsels published
first in a series of articles in the
Review
and Herald
are today found in
Testimonies
to Ministers,
pages 32-62, and in a pam-
phlet, "The Remnant Church." Subsequent
counsels touching this point are also found
in
Selected Messages,
b. 2, pp. 63-71. All
of the writings are preserved to save us
from similar so-called reform movements
today. Sister White wrote:
"Although there are evils existing in the
church, and will be until the end of the
world, the church in these last days is to
be the light of the world that is polluted
and demoralized by sin. The church, en-
feebled and defective, needing to be re-
proved, warned, and counseled, is the only
object upon earth upon which Christ be-
stows His supreme
regard."—Testimonies to
Ministers,
page 49.
10. At a time of crisis in the ex-
perience of Israel, through what
means did the Lord lead to deliver-
ance and bring about that deliverance?
2 Chron. 20:14-20. Compare Judges
4:1-7, 14.
Nora.—The prophetic message of Ellen
White, heard on a Sabbath afternoon in
1868 in Bushnell, Michigan, was the turn-
ing point in the life of the Bushnell church.
The preceding Sabbath the members had
decided to disband. But the providential
appearance of Elder and Mrs. James White,
timely as it was, turned the tide and
brought the victory. While speaking in a
large oak grove, Sister White communi-
cated to a number of the worshipers mes-
sages which God had given to her in vision
two years before. Then the truthfulness
of these testimonies was confirmed by the
parties concerned and it became apparent
to all that Mrs. White was indeed divinely
inspired. A revival ensued and the church
was saved. This is only one instance
among many in which God's timely provi-
dence was demonstrated through the min-
istry of Mrs. White.
Thought Questions:
(1) Though the
modern messenger is resting in her grave,
are not the testimonies living and vital as
ever? (2) Is history repeating itself today,
and is there need for guidance and protec-
tion now?
Lesson 12, for June 23, 1962
Prophecy, a Guiding Light
MEMORY VERSE:
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name
of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be
deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall
call." Joel 2:32.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 467-476; "Prophets and Kings," pages
582-592; "Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 179-184; "Early Writings," pages 269-273;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show that prophecy is one of God's means for preparing His
children for the trying experience that awaits them in the future crisis.
THE LESSON
Introduction
It
is God's intention that His people
shall have a clear knowledge of what is to
take place in the future and be able to face
the future informed. Jesus forewarned and
forearmed the disciples and reminded them,
"And now I have told you before it come
to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye
might believe." John 14:29. The coming
of trials then, rather than taking His peo-
ple by surprise, would be faced intelligently
and would strengthen and confirm their
faith in Christ, and, as Ellen G. White
comments, "they would say to one an-
other: 'He told us that this would come,
and what we must do to meet it.'
"—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 235.
God's seers of old, through prophetic
view, peered down through the centuries
and saw the larger features of the events
of the last days, and what they saw they
recorded for the instruction and encourage-
ment of mankind. In harmony with His
39
declared purpose, God has again spoken
through the spirit of prophecy, and in so
doing He has given to us in more minute
detail a picture of the events of the last
days. And the inspired message confirms
the word of the Bible prophets and
aids
in
a fuller and more complete understanding.
Prophecies That Touch the
Individual
1.
What experience will come, at
the end of the time of trouble, to many
of God's people who sleep in their
graves? Dan. 12:1, 2.
NoTE.—It is the longing desire of every
Seventh-day Adventist to see Jesus come
in the clouds of heaven, but many have
fallen asleep and rest in the grave. Never-
theless, they will not be denied their fond-
est expectation. They will be raised from
the grave and witness the return of Christ.
This will be possible because of the special
resurrection of Daniel 12:2. Wrote Ellen
G. White:
"It is at midnight that God manifests
His power for the deliverance of His peo-
ple. The sun appears, shining in its
strength. Signs and wonders follow in
quick succession. • . . In the midst of the
angry heavens is one clear space of inde-
scribable glory, whence comes the voice
of God like the sound of many waters,
saying: 'It is done.' Revelation 16:17.
"That voice shakes the heavens and the
earth. There is a mighty earthquake. . . .
Graves are opened, and 'many of them that
sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake,
some to everlasting life, and some to shame
and everlasting contempt.' Daniel 12:2.
All who have died in the faith of the third
angel's message come forth from the tomb
glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace
with those who have kept His
law."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 636, 637. See
pages 636-640;
Early Writings,
pages 285,
286.
2.
What do the New Testament
writers foretell concerning the de-
ceptive power of Satanic agencies?
2 Thess. 2:9, 10; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev.
16:13, 14.
NoTE.—"Satan 'works with
all
deceiv-
ableness of unrighteousness' to gain control
of the children of men, and his deceptions
will continually increase. . .
"Satan has long been preparing for his
final effort to deceive the world. The foun-
dation of his work was laid by the assur-
ance given to Eve in Eden: 'Ye shall not
surely die.' . . . Little by little he has pre-
pared the way for his masterpiece of de-
ception in the development of spiritualism.
He has not yet reached the full accomplish-
ment of his designs; but it will be reached
in the last remnant of time. . . . Except
those who are kept by the power of God,
through faith in His word, the whole world
will be swept into the ranks of this delu-
sion."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 560-
562.
3.
What astounding development
did the apostle Paul predict would
take place in the religious world be-
fore the end? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4. Com-
pare Rev. 13:3, 4, 8, 9.
NOTE.—"The apostle Paul, in his second
letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the
great apostasy which would result in the
establishment of the papal power. He
declared that the day of Christ should not
come, 'except there come a falling away
first, and that man of sin be revealed.' "
—The Great Controversy,
page 49.
"God's word has given warning of the
impending danger; let this be unheeded,
and the Protestant world will learn what
the purposes of Rome really are, only
when it is too late to escape the snare. She
is silently growing into power. Her doc-
trines are exerting their influence in legis-
lative halls, in the churches, and in the
hearts of men. . . . We shall soon see and
shall feel what the purpose of the Roman
element is. Whoever shall believe and obey
the word of God will thereby incur re-
proach and persecution."—Ibid., p. 581.
4.
What somber experience lies
ahead for all of God's faithful people?
Rev. 3:10.
NoTE.—"Just before us is the 'hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the
[
40
]
earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith
is not firmly established upon the word of
God will be deceived and overcome."—
The Great Controversy,
page 560.
"We are living in the time of the end.
The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare
that the coming of Christ is near at hand.
The days in which we live are solemn and
important. The Spirit of God is gradually
but surely being withdrawn from the earth.
Plagues and judgments are already falling
upon the despisers of the grace of God.
The calamities by land and sea, the un-
settled state of society, the alarms of war,
are portentous. They forecast approaching
events of the greatest magnitude.
"The agencies of evil are combining
their forces and consolidating. They are
strengthening for the last great crisis. Great
changes are soon to take place in our world,
and the final movements will be rapid
ones."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 11. See also
page 43.
5.
What view is given of distress-
ing troubles in the economic world?
James 5:3-6.
NoTE.—"There are not many, even
among educators and statesmen, who com-
prehend the causes that underlie the pres-
ent state of society. Those who hold the
reins of government are not able to solve
the problems of moral corruption, poverty,
pauperism, and increasing Crime. They are
struggling in vain to place business opera-
tions on a more secure basis. If men would
give more heed to the teaching of God's
word, they would find a solution of the
problems that perplex
them."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 13.
6.
What warning should restrain
the child of God from entering into
any confederacy with unbelievers?
2 Cor. 6:14-18. Compare Isa. 8:12.
NoTE.—"Men have confederated to op-
pose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies
will continue until Christ shall leave His
place of intercession before the mercy seat
and shall put on the garments of venge-
ance. Satanic agencies are in every city,
busily organizing into parties those opposed
to the law of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 8,
p. 42.
"The trades unions and confederacies of
the world are a snare. Keep out of them,
and away from them, brethren. Have
nothing to do with them. Because of these
unions and confederacies, it will soon be
very difficult for our institutions to carry
on their work in the cities. My warning is:
Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitari-
ums in the cities. Educate our people to
get out of the cities into the country, where
they can obtain a small piece of land, and
make a home for themselves and their
children. . .
"Erelong there will be such strife and
confusion in the cities, that those who wish
to leave them will not be able. We must
be preparing for these issues. This is the
light that is given
me."—General Confer-
ence Bulletin,
April 6, 1903, in
Selected
Messages,
b. 2, p. 142.
Advance Scientific Information
7.
What counsel was given to the
mother of Samson before the birth of
the child? Judges 13:13, 7.
NoTE.—Prenatal influences were so im-
portant in Samson's case that an angel
gave instruction to his parents on this
point. In 1905 Ellen G. White wrote:
"The effect of prenatal influences is by
many parents looked upon as a matter of
little moment; but heaven does not so
regard it. The message sent by an angel
of God, and twice given in the most
solemn manner, shows it to be deserving
of our most careful thought."—The
Minis-
try of Healing,
page 372.
The spirit of prophecy through Mrs.
White earnestly counseled through the
years the importance of the mother's in-
fluence on the unborn child. In scientific
circles of the world such concepts were not
generally held until recent years. In 1954,
almost forty years after Mrs. White's death,
an authoritative article appeared in a lead-
ing journal entitled, "There Is Prenatal
Influence." It opened with the introduc-
tory declaration: "For years scientists have
believed that your unborn baby lives an
insulated existence, protected from all ex-
ternal influence, but this is not true. It is
141]
cocking news that you can control the
development of your unborn child."—Ash-
ley Montague and Gertrude Schweitzer,
Ladies' Home Journal,
February, 1954.
But the messenger of the Lord had written
of these things long years before.
8.
What far-reaching effects follow
right dietary practices? Eccl. 10:17.
NorE.—Closely linked with the physical,
mental, and moral welfare of any people
are their habits of eating and drinking. Of
the nearly two thousand pages comprising
the five spirit of prophecy books devoted
to health, a large proportion is devoted to
diet, conveying to the reader the instruction
given by God to Ellen White.
In 1958 Dr. Clive M. McCay, Professor
of Graduate Studies in Nutrition at Cornell
University, closed a public address, and
later a series of articles, with these reveal-
ing words: "In spite of the fact that the
works of Mrs. White were written long
before the advent of modern scientific nu-
trition, no better over-all guide is available
today.'
—
Review and Herald,
Feb. 26, 1959.
The Church Prepares to Meet God
9.
In Zechariah's vision of Joshua
and the angel, what did Satan do?
What did the change of raiment sig-
nify? What promise was made to
Joshua, the high priest? Zech. 3:1-7.
NoTE.—"Zechariah's vision of Joshua
and the Angel applies with peculiar force
to the experience of God's people in the
closing up of the great day of atonement.
The remnant church will be brought into
great trial and distress. Those who keep
the commandments of God and the faith
of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon
and his hosts. . . .
"Satan urges before God his accusations
against them, declaring that they have by
their sins forfeited the divine protection,
and claiming the right to destroy them as
transgressors. He pronounces them just as
deserving as himself of exclusion from the
favor of
God.'L—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp.
472, 473.
"All that have put on the robe of Christ's
righteousness will stand before Him as
chosen and faithful and true. Satan has
no power to pluck them out of the hand
of Christ."—/bid., p. 471.
"While Satan was urging his accusations
and seeking to destroy this company, holy
angels, unseen, were passing to and fro,
placing upon them the seal of the living
God. These are they that stand upon
Mount Zion with the Lamb."—/bid., p.475.
10.
What question asked by Jesus
suggests a condition that will exist in
earth's last days? Luke 18:8.
NOTE.-"I
was shown the people of God,
and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with
strong faith and agonizing cries, were plead-
ing with God. . . .
"Some, I saw, did not participate in this
work of agonizing and pleading. They
seemed indifferent and careless. They were
not resisting the darkness around them, and
it shut them in like a thick cloud.. .
"I asked the meaning of the shaking I
had seen, and was shown that it would be
caused by the straight testimony called
forth by the counsel of the True Witness
to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect
upon the heart of the receiver, and will
lead him to exalt the standard and pour
forth the straight truth. Some will not
beat this straight testimony. They will
rise up against it, and this will cause a
shaking among God's
people."—Testimo-
nies, vol.
1, pp. 179-181.
11.
What work will be finished be-
fore Christ comes? Matt. 24:14. Com-
pare Matt. 28:19, 20.
Nom—It was
difficult for the early pio-
neers to grasp the concept of a world work.
Not until 1874 did we send our first mis-
sionary, J. N. Andrews, to an overseas
field. In a vision of January 3, 1875, Ellen
G. White was shown many lights illuminat-
ing a world shrouded in darkness. She
was led in 1892 to declare: " 'The mission-
ary work in Australia and New Zealand
is yet hi its infancy, but the same work
must be accomplished in Australia, New
Zealand, in Africa, India, China, and the
islands of the sea, as has been accomplished
4,2
in the home
field"'—Life Sketches,
page
338.
In 1892 we had not yet opened our first
mission station in Africa. It was yet a year
before colporteurs were to enter India, and
a full decade before missionaries were dis-
patched to China. As for the islands of
the sea, we had just made the smallest
beginning. But the greatly expanded work
of the advent movement in all these and
many other lands today, with thousands
of churches, with mission stations, publish-
ing houses, medical institutions, colleges,
and food factories, testify that God has
kept His word.
12. What words of the prophets
apply to the church triumphant?
Song of Solomon 6:10; Isa. 60:1-5;
Joel 2:32.
NoTE.—The prophetic assurance of tri-
umph gives courage to the believers. Note
the following promises:
(a) Ever on gaining ground.
"The church
is to increase in activity and to enlarge her
bounds. Our missionary efforts are to be
expansive; we must enlarge our borders.
. While there have been fierce contentions
in the effort to maintain our distinctive
character, yet we have as Bible Christians
ever been on gaining
ground."—Selected
Messages,
b. 2, pp. 396, 397, May 6, 1907.
(b)
The Lord will bring us through tri-
umphantly.
"There is no need to doubt,
to be fearful that the work will not succeed.
God is at the head of the work. . . . Let
us have faith that God is going to carry the
noble ship which bears the people of God
safely into port. . . .
"When you think that the work is in
danger, pray, 'Lord, stand at the wheel.
Carry us through the perplexity. Bring us
safely into port.' Have we not reason to
believe that the Lord will bring us through
triumphantly
?"—Ibid.,
pp. 390, 391. (Ser-
mon on Sept. 4, 1891.)
(c)
God will continue with them even
to the end.
"When in the night season I
am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in
prayer to God, and He strengthens me and
gives me the assurance that He is with His
ministering servants in the home field and
in distant lands. I am encouraged and
blessed as I realize that the God of Israel
is still guiding His people, and that He
will continue to be with them, even to the
end."—Ibid.,
p. 406. (From an E. G. White
message to the General Conference in ses-
sion, 1913.)
Thought Questions:
(1) If God is with
His church till the end, is not the church
a good place to remain? (2) If all church
members were like me, what kind of a
church would it be?
Lesson 13, for June 30, 1962
Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whereupon,
0
King Agrippa,
I
was not
heavenly vision." Acts 26:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp.
668-670, 678-683;
b. 1, pp. 40-48; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show (1) our need of accepting the counsels
ecy; (2) that certain guiding principles should guide us
that one's happiness and salvation may depend upon
toward this gift.
disobedient unto the
"Selected Messages,"
of the spirit of proph-
in our study; and (3)
his personal attitude
THE LESSON
Introduction

the Lord has communicated His messages
through this agency. The questions now
For a full quarter we have been studying come to each one of us, "What is my rela-
the gift of prophecy. We
have seen how tionship to this gift? What do the spirit
[43
1
of prophecy counsels mean to me? How
will I study and apply these counsels?"
The answer to these questions ought not to
be postponed or evaded.
My Attitude Toward Reproof
1.
By what figurative language did
God describe the work of the ancient
prophets? Hosea 6:5.
NOTE.—The hewing here referred to is
the same as the hewing of stones for con-
struction purposes. Here is an apt symbol
illustrating how the heavenly Sculptor
takes the rough granite of the soul and
fashions it into a thing of beauty that will
adorn the temple of the Lord forever.
2.
What purpose did the Lord have
in sending prophets to His straying
people in days of old? What was the
response? 2 Chron. 24:19.
NOTE.—"The question to be settled . . .
is: Shall I deny myself and receive as of
God the
Testimonies
which reprove my
sins, or shall I reject the
Testimonies be-
cause
they reprove my sins?
"In many cases the
Testimonies
are fully
received, the sin and indulgence broken off,
and reformation at once commences in
harmony with the light God has given. In
other instances sinful indulgences are cher-
ished, the
Testimonies
are rejected, and
many excuses which are untrue are offered
to others as the reason for refusing to
receive them. The
true
reason is not given.
It is a lack of moral courage—a will,
strengthened and controlled by the Spirit
of God, to renounce hurtful habits."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 32. See also
Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 234.
3.
What messages did rebellious
Judah ask the prophets to give? Isa.
30:10. Compare Ezek. 33:30-33.
NoTE.—"There are some in these last
days who will cry: 'Speak unto us smooth
things, prophesy deceits.' But this is not
my work. God has set me as a reprover
of His people; and just so surely as He
has laid upon me
-
the heavy burden, He
will make those to whom this message is
given responsible for the manner in which
they treat it. God will not be trifled with,
and those who despise His work will re-
ceive according to their deeds."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 679.
4.
What was Ahab's attitude to-
ward the true prophet of God?
1 Kings 22:8. To what did such an
attitude often lead? Acts 7:52.
NOTE —" 'It is Satan's plan to weaken
the faith of God's people in the
Testimo-
nies.' Satan
knows how to make his at-
tacks. He works upon minds to excite
jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those
at the head of the work. The gifts are
next questioned; then, of course, they have
but little weight, and instruction given
through vision is disregarded.' Next fol-
lows skepticism in regard to the vital points
of our faith, the pillars of our position,
then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and
then the downward march to perdition.
When the
Testimonies,
which were once
believed, are doubted and given up, Satan
knows the deceived ones will not stop at
this; and he redoubles his efforts till he
launches them into open rebellion, which
becomes incurable and ends in destruction.'
`By giving place to doubts and unbelief in
regard to the work of God, and by cherish-
ing feelings of distrust and cruel jealousies,
they are preparing themselves for complete
deception.' "—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 672.
5.
In contrast to the above, what
was David's attitude toward the mes-
sage that came to him from the
prophet Nathan? 2 Sam. 12:7-9, 13.
NoTE.—Reporting on the work of Ellen
G. White at a general gathering of workers
in Europe in 1885, her interpreter and one
of our leading workers in Europe, D. T.
Bourdeau, wrote for the
Review and
Herald
of Nov. 10, 1885, as follows:
"Not only does this gift reprove sin with-
out dissimulation and partiality, as did
Nathan when he said to David, 'Thou art
the man;' but it deals in words of en-
couragement to help those reproved to
overcome, and to inspire hope, faith, and
44
courage to the desponding. It not only
probes the wound, but it also pours in the
oil, binds the wound, and hastens the
process of restoration. It brings the re-
ceiver to the Bible, and earnestly endeav-
ors to carry out the instructions it enjoins,
exemplifying in a marked degree the rare
graces of modesty, true humility, and self-
denial. It identifies itself with those for
whom it labors, bearing their burdens in
earnest, persevering prayer, forgetful of self
and ease, and keeping the glory of God and
the salvation of souls in view, aiming to
secure these at any sacrifice."
Understanding the Testimonies
6.
As Paul recounted his experi-
ence before King Agrippa, what did
he declare had been his personal re-
lationship to heavenly visions? Acts
26:19.
NoTE.—Paul applied the message to his
own life. The vision changed his work, his
income, his associates, his whole life. He
did not stop to question. He knew God
had spoken, and he would obey. Should
we not look into our own lives and ask,
Are we obedient to the heavenly vision?
7.
What principle is given to help
the honest seeker in his study of re-
vealed truth? 1 Cor. 2:12, 13.
NoTE.—"The Bible is its own expositor.
Scripture is to be compared with scripture.
The student should learn to view the word
as a whole and to see the relation of its
parts. He should gain a knowledge of its
grand central theme—of God's original
purpose for the world, of the rise of the
great controversy, and of the work of
redemption."—Counsels
to Parents, Teach-
ers, and Students,
page 462.
Just as the student is admonished to
view the Bible as a whole, so he should
gain the full picture of all the prophetic
counsels of Ellen White available on a
given point, putting statement with state-
ment. "The testimonies themselves will be
the key that will explain the messages given,
as scripture is explained by scripture."—
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 42.
8.
What need often arises even
among those who have known the
present truth? Heb. 5:12. Compare
2 Peter 1:1-15.
NOTE.—The Christian must progress in
his knowledge of truth. He should steadily
advance in an understanding of Bible prin-
ciples. It is his privilege to enjoy a dy-
namic, not a static, experience. The writ-
ings of the prophets offer basic principles
to guide the life toward the goal of Chris-
tian perfection.
Mrs. White informs us: "I was then
directed to bring out general principles, in
speaking and in writing, and at the same
time specify the dangers, errors, and sins
of some individuals, that all might be
warned, reproved, and counseled."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 5, p. 660.
To accomplish this effectively, she was
instructed that her testimony was "to come
down to the minutiae of
life."—Ibid.,
p.
667. Many times in her writings, princi-
ples are applied to a specific problem at
hand.
9.
What must we consider when we
study
certain specific counsels
in the
Bible and the
Testimonies?
Answer:
The time, place, and circum-
stances of the giving of the message. As
Mrs. White wrote of the publication and
use of her writings she declared: "Regard-
ing the testimonies, nothing is ignored;
nothing is cast aside; but time and place
must be considered."—Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 57. It is proper to recognize the
circumstances which existed for which cer-
tain specific counsels were written. We
should find the principles and apply them
in our experience today, for principle does
not change.
NoTE.—Moses was commanded to re-
move his shoes, because the place where
he stood was holy ground. Exodus 3:5.
Respect and reverence in many countries
is today shown by other tokens. Paul's
counsel to Christian women to pray with
their heads covered (1 Cor. 11:5) is under-
[
46]
stood in accordance with the customs of
the time and place, and is not considered
obligatory in most countries today. Israel
was instructed that their garments should
carry a fringe of blue to designate them
as God's people. Num. 15:38. Dedication
to God may be shown today in modest
attire, but the principle is applied differ-
ently than with Israel. Each Christian is
to study prayerfully how to apply certain
specific principles to the issue at hand.
Proper Use or Misuse
10. Against what uses of the writ-
ings of Mrs. White are we warned?
Answer: (1) Not to be used as an iron
rule or club.
"They profess to believe the
testimony borne, and some do harm by
making them an iron rule for those who
have had no experience in reference to
them."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 369.
(2)
Not to be used as proof for unbe-
lievers.
"Some have taken an injudicious
course; when they have talked their faith
to unbelievers, and the proof has been
asked for, they have read a vision instead
of going to the Bible for proof. . . . The
visions can have no weight with those who
have never seen them and know nothing
of their spirit. They should not be referred
to in such
cases."—Testimonies, vol.
1, pp.
119, 120.
(3)
Not to select brief excerpts and use
them out of context.
"There are those who
pick out from the word of God, and also
from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs
or sentences that may be interpreted to suit
their ideas, and they dwell upon these."—
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 179.
11. Have the passage of the years
and the circumstances of modern times
made the prophetic writings obsolete?
Answer:
"I have been shown that the
principles that were given us in the early
days of the message are as important and
should be regarded just as conscientiously
today as they were
then."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 158. From address given by Mrs.
White at the General Conference of 1909.
Nors.—"Through His Holy Spirit the
voice of God has come to us continually in
warning and instruction, to confirm the
faith of the believers in the spirit of
prophecy. . . . Time and trial have not
made void the instruction given. . . . The
instruction that was given in the early
days of the message is to be held as safe
instruction to follow in these its closing
days."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 41.
Written in 1907.
A Vital Question for All
12.
In Paul's appeal to Agrippa,
what pertinent question did he ask?
Acts 26:27. Compare 2 Kings 17:13,
14; Luke 24:25.
NOTE.—When the prophetic message,
with clear, convincing evidence, reaches the
heart, it is perilous to turn away in dis-
belief.
"My brethren, beware of the evil heart
of unbelief. The word of God is plain and
close in its restrictions; it interferes with
your selfish indulgence; therefore you do
not obey it. The
Testimonies
of His Spirit
call your attention to the Scriptures, point
out your defects of character, and rebuke
your sins; therefore you do not heed them.
And to justify your carnal, ease-loving
course you begin to doubt whether the
Testimonies
are from God. If you would
obey their teachings you would be assured
of their divine origin. Remember, your
unbelief does not affect their truthfulness.
If they are from God they will stand."—
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 6.74.
13.
When there is no prophetic
vision, what dire consequences result?
Prov.

Compare 1 Sam. 3.1.
NOTE.—"Satan is . .. constantly pressing
in the spurious—to lead away from the
truth. The very last deception of Satan
will be to make of none effect the testi-
mony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there
is no vision, the people perish (Prov. 29:
18). Satan will work ingeniously, in differ-
ent ways and through different agencies, to
unsettle the confidence of God's remnant
46 3
Ques. 1. Gen. 2:18-20.
Ques. 2. Gen. 2:21, 22.
Ques. 3. Gen. 2:23.
Ques. 4. Eph. 5:28.
Ques. 5. Matt. 19:3-6.
Ques. 6. Gen. 2:15.
Ques. 7. Gen. 2:16, 17.
Ques. 8. Gen. 3:1.
Ques. 9. Gen. 3:2-6.
Ques. 10. Gen. 3:7.
Ques. 11. Gen. 3 :12, 13.
Ques. 12. Gen. 3:15.
Ques. 13. Gen. 3:16.
Ques. 14. Gen. 4:1, 2 ; 5:3, 4.
people in the true testimony"-Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p.. 48.
14. With what words did Jehosha-
phat encourage the people as they fol-
lowed the Lord's direction given
through the prophet? 2 Chron. 20:20.
NoTE.-Writing at a time of crisis in our
work, Ellen White declared: "Some will
yield their faith, and will deny the truth
of the messages, pointing to them as false-
hoods.
"Some will hold them up to ridicule,
working against the light that God has
been giving for years, and some who are
weak in the faith win thus be led astray.
"But others will be greatly helped by the
messages. Though not personally addressed,
they will be corrected and will be led to
shun the evils specific
L . . .
The Spirit of
the Lord will be it the instruction, and
doubts existing in aany minds will be
swept away. The testimpnies tkernselves
will be the key that will explain the mes-
sages given, as scripture is explained by
scripture. Many will read with eagerness
the messages reproving wrong, that they
may learn what they may do to be saved.
. . . Light will dawn upon the understand-
ing, and the Spirit will make an impression
on minds, as Bible truth is clearly and
simply presented in the messages that since
1846 God has been sending His people.
These messages are to find their place in
hearts, and transformations will take
place."-Selected Messages,
b. 1, pp. 41, 42.
Thought Questions:
(1) What advan-
tages accrue to the Christian who orders
his life by the word of God and the testi-
monies of His Spirit? (2) What is to be
gained by rejecting the counsel of the
Lord? (3) Is neglect of the
Testimonies
as hazardous as their rejection? (4) Is your
position on the spirit of prophecy positive
and decided?
Lessons for the Third Quarter, 1962
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the
third quarter will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The
title of the series is, "Women of the Bible." The first lesson is entitled "Eve, 'The Mother
of All Living.' " The Memory Verse is Genesis 2:18. The texts to be studied are:
Northern European Division Statistics
Union Mission
Population
No. of
Churches
Church
Members
Sab. School
Members
British U. C.
57,543,473
111
9,252
8,837
Ethiopian U. M.
23,570,000
13
3,874
6,703
Finland U. C.
4,086,400
46
5,181
5,151
Iceland C.
170,000
8
415
619
Netherlands U. C.
11,000,000
43
2,717
2,360
Polish U. C.
30,000,000
64
3,622
4,158
Swedish U. C.
7,786,066
71
3,783
3,502
West African U. M.
49,390,730
177
25,032
60,345
West Nordic U. C.
8,153,000
138
8,938
7,976
Greenland M.
37,368
1
8
9
Division Totals
191,737,037
672
62,822
99,660